So oft have I invoked thee for my Muse And found such fair assistance in my verse As every alien pen hath got my use And under thee their poesy disperse. Thine eyes that taught the dumb on high to sing And heavy ignorance aloft to fly Have added feathers to the learned's wing And given grace a double majesty. Yet be most proud of that which I compile, Whose influence is thine and born of thee: In others' works thou dost but mend the style, And arts with thy sweet graces graced be; But thou art all my art and dost advance As high as learning my rude ignorance. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON PARTING by GEORGE GORDON BYRON THE WILLOWS by FRANCIS BRET HARTE MY LOST YOUTH by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW A SKETCH by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI TENNYSON by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH DELIVERANCE by JOHN KENDRICK BANGS |