 | Poems descriptive, dramatic, legendary and contemplative |  |
I.—CHAUCER.
—Chaucer's healthy MuseDid wisely one sweet instrument to choose,
The native reed; which, tutor'd with rare skill,
Brought other Muses down to aid its trill!
A cheerful song, that sometimes quaintly mask'd
The fancy, as the affections, sweetly task'd;
And won from England's proud and foreign court,
For native England's tongue, a sweet report—
And sympathy—till in due time it grew
A permanent voice that proved itself the true,
And rescued the brave language of the land
From that which help'd to strength the invader's hand!
Thus, with great patriot service, making clear
The way to other virtues quite as dear
In English liberty—which could grow alone,
When English speech grew pleasant to be known;
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The peasant worthy for his poet's sake.
| Poems descriptive, dramatic, legendary and contemplative | |