1. BENEATH these shades, whose hallowed fame All generous thoughts revere! Within these Halls, of many a name To hope and memory dear; Be thus, by meeting hearts and hands, One fresher garland twined Round sacred Learning's gathered bands, To mingle mind with mind. 2. The sage's lonely lamp might shine, And in its light expire; And burning word or thought divine Might perish in their fire; But caught from kindling soul to soul, The flames effulgent spread, And clasp in one immortal whole The living and the dead. 3. These brooding cares that round us rise, And Life, foredoomed to toils, Catch half a grace from social ties, And live in genial smiles; And still when Wisdom lifts her brow, Encrowned with flowery wreaths, Then gleams her spirit's purest glow,— Her noblest purpose breathes. 4. Within the bosom's secret shrine Immortal visions sleep, Like gems that light the sullen mine, Or pearls that strew the deep; But touched to life by kindred art, The burning accents roll,— Senate and Forum feel a heart, And nations own a soul! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...OUT OF THE OLD HOUSE, NANCY by WILLIAM MCKENDREE CARLETON TWO SONGS: 2 by CECIL DAY LEWIS A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 2 by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN THE MAID OF NEIDPATH by WALTER SCOTT POEM FOR PICTURE: TO A DRAWING OF A HORSE BY GEORGIO DI CHIRICO by FRANK ANKENBRAND JR. LES HIBOUX by CHARLES BAUDELAIRE LOST LOVE'S FLIGHT by DONN BORING FO'C'S'LE YARNS: 1ST SERIES. DEDICATION by THOMAS EDWARD BROWN |