IX. Drowning is not so pitiful

DROWNING is not so pitiful
        As the attempt to rise.
Three times, 't is said, a sinking man
        Comes up to face the skies,
And then declines forever
        To that abhorred abode
Where hope and he part company, --
        For he is grasped of God.
The Maker's cordial visage,
        However good to see,
Is shunned, we must admit it,
        Like an adversity.