Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LOSS AND GAIN by RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: VIRTUE RUNS BEFORE THE MUSE
Last Line: AND BETTER HIS DESIRE.
Subject(s): VIRTUE;
Virtue runs before the Muse,
And defies her skill;
She is rapt, and doth refuse
To wait a painter's will.

Star-adoring, occupied,
Virtue cannot bend her
Just to please a poet's pride,
To parade her splendor.

The bard must be with good intent
No more his, but hers;
Must throw away his pen and paint,
Kneel with worshippers.

Then, perchance, a sunny ray
From the heaven of fire,
His lost tools may overpay,
And better his desire.



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