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University of Virginia Library

Poems by William Wetmore Story

Story, William Wetmore (1819-1895)

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VOL. I. PARCHMENTS AND PORTRAITS

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2.

VOL II. MONOLOGUES AND LYRICS

DRAMATIC MONOLOGUES AND NARRATIVES.

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1.

[I. To each his separate work; the ox to drag the plough]

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II. SHAKESPEARE.

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[III. Strive not to say the whole! the Poet, in his Art]

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[IV. We of our age are part, and every thrill that wakes]

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[V. All Arts are one, howe'er distributed they stand]

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[VI. Lift thou thyself above the accidents of life]

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[VII. Yes, thrift is very good. Respect to men of thrift]

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[VIII. Live not without a friend! The Alpine rock must own]

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[IX. While we are young our youth too near for Art doth lie]

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[X. That dress of thine is made of many lives; I see]

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[XI. The conscious Intellect the servant is of Art]

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[XII. An inward faith alone can make our life sincere]

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[XIII. Nature in circles moves round fixed and central laws]

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[XIV. We are but what we think, and must immortal be]

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[XV. The East for sweet luxurious ease and rest]

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[XVI. The Imperfect hath a charm the Perfect cannot own]

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[XI. The conscious Intellect the servant is of Art]

The conscious Intellect the servant is of Art,
The unconscious Phantasy performs the master's part.

Despite the helm and sail the vessel will not go,
Howe'er we strive, until the breath of heaven shall blow.

Love is the only key of knowledge, as of Art,
Nothing is truly ours but what we learn by heart.