Yon Path of Greensward

YON path of greensward
Winds round by sparry grot and gay pavilion ;
There is no flint to gall thy tender foot,
There 's ready shelter from each breeze, or shower.
But Duty guides not that way : see her stand,
With wand entwined with amaranth, near yon cliffs.
Oft where she leads thy blood must mark thy footsteps,
Oft where she leads thy head must bear the storm,
And thy shrunk form endure heat, cold, and hunger ;
But she will guide thee up to noble heights,
Which he who gains seems native of the sky ;
While earthly things lie stretch'd beneath his feet,
Diminish'd, shrunk, and valueless.