Robert Browning

“ And at once subjoins the lady
— "Provided the Good are the young, men strong and tall and proper,
Such servants I straightway enlist, — which means . . . " but the blushes stop her.
"Ah, Soul," the Monarch sighed, "that wouldst soar yet ever crawlest,
How comes it thou canst discern the greatest yet choose the smallest,
Unless because heaven is far, where wings find fit expansion,
While creeping on all-fours suits, suffices the earthly mansion?
"Aspire to the Best! But which? There are Bests and Bests so many,
With a habitat each for each, earth's Best as much Best as any! ”

“ Through her blushes laughed the Queen. "For the sake of a Sage? The gay jest!
On high, be communion with Mind — there, Body concerns not Balkis:
Down here, — do I make too bold? Sage Solomon, — one fool's small kiss!" ”

“ Who are those, of all mankind, a monarch of perfect wisdom
Should open to, when they knock at spheteron do — that's his dome?"
The King makes tart reply: "Whom else but the wise his equals
Should he welcome with heart and voice? ”