Madness

She spake of madness, telling that the worst.
As found incurable, was when men deemed
The world all happy, when misfortune seemed
Supreme good fortune, and the lot accurst
Appeared true bliss ; what lowered repulsive erst
Was changed to lovely, all-delightful gleamed.
Evil a cloud into blue heaven dispersed :
Beyond hope these illusions are esteemed.
'Twas spoken in good faith, unheedingly;
Yet they perchance the inner truth divine,
And if we hope to heal, the madman we !
I would such hallowed lunacy were mine,
Here, where some say 'tis better not to be !
What fool would cavil o'er this anodyne ?