Skip to content
1822–1888

TO THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON

Matthew Arnold

Because thou hast believed, the wheels of life Stand never idle, but go always round; Not by their hands, who vex the patient ground, Moved only; but by genius, in the strife

Of all its chafing torrents after thaw, Urged; and to feed whose movement, spinning sand, The feeble sons of pleasure set their hand; And, in this vision of the general law,

Hast labour'd, but with purpose; hast become Laborious, persevering, serious, firm — For this, thy track, across the fretful foam Of vehement actions without scope or term,

Call'd history, keeps a splendour; due to wit, Which saw one clue to life, and follow'd it.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.