Not solely that the Future she destroys, br And the fair life which in the distance lies br For all men, beckoning out from dim rich skies: br Nor that the passing hour's supporting joys br Have lost the keen-edged flavour, which begat br Distinction in old times, and still should breed br Sweet Memory, and Hope,--earth's modest seed, br And heaven's high-prompting: not that the world is flat br Since that soft-luring creature I embraced, br Among the children of Illusion went: br Methinks with all this loss I were content, br If the mad Past, on which my foot is based, br Were firm, or might be blotted: but the whole br Of life is mixed: the mocking Past will stay: br And if I drink oblivion of a day, br So shorten I the stature of my soul.