A curious statue, we are told, Is priz'd above its weight in gold; If the fair form the hand confess Of Phidias, or Praxiteles: But if the artist could inspire The smallest spark of heavenly fire, Though but enough to make it walk, Salute the company, or talk, This would advance the prize so high, What prince were rich enough to buy? Such if Hibernia could obtain, She sure would give it to the Dean: So to her patriot should she pay Her thanks upon his natal day. A richer present I design, A finished form, of work divine, Surpassing all the power of art; A thinking head, a grateful heart: A heart that hopes, one day, to show How much we to the Drapier owe. Kings could not send a nobler gift, A meaner were unworthy Swift | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN THE JEWISH SYNAGOGUE AT NEWPORT by EMMA LAZARUS SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: JOSEPH DIXON by EDGAR LEE MASTERS AT CASTERBRIDGE FAIR: 1. THE BALLAD-SINGER by THOMAS HARDY CHANGED by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE SONG OF HIAWATHA: HIAWATHA'S DEPARTURE by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE CENTENARIAN'S STORY by WALT WHITMAN IN LIGHTER VEIN by ELIZABETH KEMPER ADAMS THE BLACK FOX OF SALMON RIVER by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD |