So keen, so clear thy genius, that no mist Of subtlest phrase can baffle or delay The lance-like, swift illuminating ray, Wherewith, O art-enamored annalist, Thy lightning logic cleaves the elusive gist Of thoughts Protean; or, in lowlier play, Smites tinselled weakness to a red dismay -- As swordsmen smite by one deft turn of wrist. Yet oft that glittering and remorseless blade Thy logic wields is dropped that thou may'st take Some gracious lyre, and sing with liquid breath By many a haunted dell and shadowy lake, Where faun and naiad wander undismayed, Lays of Arcadian love, or painless death. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE TAY BRIDGE DISEASTER by WILLIAM MCGONAGALL SABBATH THOUGHTS by GRACE AGUILAR LINES WRITTEN BY A DEATH-BED by MATTHEW ARNOLD WATER WOMAN by JOSEPH AUSLANDER UNCROWNED by ALFRED GOLDSWORTHY BAILEY THE BRONZE STATUE OF NAPOLEON by AUGUSTE BARBIER STANZAS, OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF A RELATIVE ABROAD by BERNARD BARTON |