Judge mildly the tasked world; and disincline <br />To brand it, for it bears a heavy pack. <br />You have perchance observed the inebriate's track <br />At night when he has quitted the inn-sign: <br />He plays diversions on the homeward line, <br />Still that way bent albeit his legs are slack: <br />A hedge may take him, but he turns not back, <br />Nor turns this burdened world, of curving spine. <br />'Spiral,' the memorable Lady terms <br />Our mind's ascent: our world's advance presents <br />That figure on a flat; the way of worms. <br />Cherish the promise of its good intents, <br />And warn it, not one instinct to efface <br />Ere Reason ripens for the vacant place.<br /><br />George Meredith<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-world-s-advance/
