In cheerful faith that fears no ill <br /> The good man doth the world begin; <br /> And dreams that all without shall still <br /> Reflect the trusting soul within. <br /> Warm with the noble vows of youth, <br /> Hallowing his true arm to the truth; <br /> <br /> Yet is the littleness of all <br /> So soon to sad experience shown, <br /> That crowds but teach him to recall <br /> And centre thought on self alone; <br /> Till love, no more, emotion knows, <br /> And the heart freezes to repose. <br /> <br /> Alas! though truth may light bestow, <br /> Not always warmth the beams impart, <br /> Blest he who gains the boon to know, <br /> Nor buys the knowledge with the heart. <br /> For warmth and light a blessing both to be, <br /> Feel as the enthusiast--as the world-wise see.<br /><br />Friedrich Schiller<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/light-and-warmth/
