C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
Aspiration
By José Zorrilla y Moral (18171893)
A
Is the deep murmur of a fountain pure,
Or the thick shade of trees in green leaves drest,
Or a strong castle’s solitude secure.
Of Bacchic banquet, clamorous and free,
Nor cringing slaves, in miserable troop,
Whose keys unlock no splendid treasury.
From Sovereign Spirit my soul’s breath I borrow;
To grow a giant—now a dwarf—I strive:
I will not be to-day, to die to-morrow.