James Clarence Mangan (1803–1849)

TRAVERSE not the globe for lore! The sternest

But the surest teacher is the heart;

Studying that and that alone, thou learnest

Best and soonest whence and what thou art.

Moor, Chinese, Egyptian, Russian, Roman,

Tread one common down-hill path of doom;

Everywhere the names are man and woman,

Everywhere the old sad sins find room.

Evil angels tempt us in all places.

What but sands or snows hath earth to give?

Dream not, friend, of deserts and oases;

But look inwards, and begin to live!