The languid world went by me as I found <br />A jewel on the ground, <br />Under a silent weed, <br />A nameless glory set for none to heed. <br />“Stoop, see, and wonder!” was my joyful cry, <br />But still the languid world went only by. <br />I drew it forth, and set it on a hill; <br />They passed it still. <br />Some turned to look, <br />And said it was a pebble from the brook, <br />A dewdrop, only made to melt away, <br />A worthless mirror, with a borrowed ray. <br />Then on my knees I shouted forth its praise, <br />For nights and days. <br />“See with your eyes <br />A diamond shining only for the wise! <br />How is it that ye love not at first sight <br />This unfamiliar treasure of pure light?” <br />I set it on my breast. Then, with a sneer, <br />The world drew near. <br />They knew the sign <br />And secret of my praise; the thing was mine. <br />They left it to me with a bland disdain, <br />And hugged their tinsel to their hearts again. <br />I showed it to the dearest soul I had: <br />“You are not mad; <br />Let them go by; <br />We know it is a diamond, you and I.” <br />Coldly he answered, “If you love it so, <br />You need not me to praise it. Let me go.” <br />“It is my sin,” I cried with bitter tears, <br />“That no man hears. <br />I'll fling it down; <br />Some nobler hand shall set it in a crown. <br />I shall behold it honoured ere I die; <br />But no one could have loved it more than I!”<br /><br />Menella Bute Smedley<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-discovery-3/
