 | The Poems of Richard Watson Gilder |  |
KEATS
Touch not with dark regret his perfect fame,Sighing, “Had he but lived he had done so”;
Or, “Were his heart not eaten out with woe
John Keats had won a prouder, mightier name!”
Take him for what he was and did—nor blame
Blind fate for all he suffered. Thou shouldst know
Souls such as his escape no mortal blow—
No agony of joy, or sorrow, or shame!
“Whose name was writ in water!” What large laughter
Among the immortals when that word was brought!
Then when his fiery spirit rose flaming after
High toward the topmost heaven of heavens up-caught!
“All hail! our younger brother!” Shakespeare said,
And Dante nodded his imperial head.
| The Poems of Richard Watson Gilder | |