CHIEF in thy generation born of men Whom English praise acclaimed as English born, With eyes that matched the world-wide eyes of morn For gleam of tears or laughter, tenderest then When thoughts of children warmed their light, or when Reverence of age with love and labor worn, Or godlike pity fired with godlike scorn, Shot through them flame that winged thy swift live pen: Where stars and suns that we beheld not burn, Higher even than here, though highest was here thy place, Love sees thy spirit laugh and speak and shine With Shakespeare, and the soft bright soul of Sterne, And Fielding's kindliest might, and Goldsmith's grace; Scarce one more loved or worthier than thine. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FRAGMENT THIRTY-SIX by HILDA DOOLITTLE THE TIDE OF FAITH by MARY ANN EVANS THE FLIGHT OF THE WAR-EAGLE by OBADIAH CYRUS AURINGER LINES TO MR. WYNCH ON HIS FORTH-FIFTH BIRTHDAY by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD RIDDLE by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD GOOD NIGHT by HESTER A. BENEDICT |