Henry Alford

Sonnet II. "Weep ye and howl, for that ye did refuse"

Weep ye and howl, for that ye did refuse God's feast of bounties when most largely spread,-- Sunrise and set, and clustering overhead The nightly stars: for that ye did not choose To wait on Beauty, all content to lose The portion of the Spirit's offered bread With which the humble wise are daily fed, That grows from yielding things despised their dues. Therefore your solitary hours unblest Shall not be peopled with the memories dear Of field, and church--way path, and runnel clear; Therefore your fading age shall not be drest With fresh spring--flowers: because ye did belie Your noblest life, in sorrow ye shall die.