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. Take your time, enjoy the process, and discover how the poet's words come together to create something truly beautiful.
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"Wouldst thou be as these are? Live as they.
"Bounded by themselves, and unregardful
"Ye who from my childhood up have calm'd me,
What I am, and what I ought to be,
In the rustling night-air came the answer:
Feel my soul becoming vast like you!"
Over the lit sea's unquiet way,
Undistracted by the sights they see,
"Ah, once more," I cried, "ye stars, ye waters,
And the sea its long moon-silver'd roll;
"And with joy the stars perform their shining,
Calm me, ah, compose me to the end!
In their own tasks all their powers pouring,
Still, still let me, as I gaze upon you,
These attain the mighty life you see."
Weary of myself, and sick of asking
O air-born voice! long since, severely clear,
"Unaffrighted by the silence round them,
Forwards, forwards, o'er the starlit sea.
And a look of passionate desire
On my heart your mighty charm renew;
A cry like thine in mine own heart I hear:
Yield them love, amusement, sympathy.
"Resolve to be thyself; and know that he,
O'er the sea and to the stars I send:
For self-poised they live, nor pine with noting
All the fever of some differing soul.
These demand not that the things without them
In what state God's other works may be,
Who finds himself, loses his misery!"
At this vessel's prow I stand, which bears me
From the intense, clear, star-sown vault of heaven,