RE is no laughter in the natural world Of beast or fish or bird, though no sad doubt Of their futurity to them unfurled Has dared to check the mirth-compelling shout. The lion roars his solemn thunder out To the sleeping woods.
The eagle screams her cry. Even the lark must strain a serious throat To hurl his blest defiance at the sky. Fear, anger, jealousy, have found a voice. Love’s pain or rapture the brute bosoms swell.
Nature has symbols for her nobler joys, Her nobler sorrows.
Who had dared foretell That only man, by some sad mockery, Should learn to laugh who learns that he must die?
