Self-Dependence
Matthew Arnold
1822 to 1888
Track 1
Reconstruct the poem by dragging each line into its correct position. Your goal is to reassemble the original poem as accurately as possible. As you move the lines, you'll see whether your arrangement is correct, helping you explore the poem's flow and meaning. You can also print out the jumbled poem to cut up and reassemble in the classroom. Either way, take your time, enjoy the process, and discover how the poet's words come together to create something truly beautiful.
Easy Mode - Auto check enabled
O'er the sea and to the stars I send:
"Ah, once more," I cried, "ye stars, ye waters,
Calm me, ah, compose me to the end!
On my heart your mighty charm renew;
Yield them love, amusement, sympathy.
Weary of myself, and sick of asking
What I am, and what I ought to be,
For self-poised they live, nor pine with noting
Over the lit sea's unquiet way,
These attain the mighty life you see."
In the rustling night-air came the answer:
At this vessel's prow I stand, which bears me
And a look of passionate desire
"Wouldst thou be as these are? Live as they.
"And with joy the stars perform their shining,
"Bounded by themselves, and unregardful
In their own tasks all their powers pouring,
Feel my soul becoming vast like you!"
Forwards, forwards, o'er the starlit sea.
"Unaffrighted by the silence round them,
Who finds himself, loses his misery!"
A cry like thine in mine own heart I hear:
All the fever of some differing soul.
Still, still let me, as I gaze upon you,
And the sea its long moon-silver'd roll;
O air-born voice! long since, severely clear,
From the intense, clear, star-sown vault of heaven,
In what state God's other works may be,
Undistracted by the sights they see,
"Resolve to be thyself; and know that he,
"Ye who from my childhood up have calm'd me,
These demand not that the things without them