University of Virginia Library


163

TO SHAKESPEARE.

Coruscant Presence, who dost ceaseless shine
Unbodied benefaction on the blest,—
Thy lifted myriad-millions, aye possest
Of that wide speech, in whose unwearied mine
Thou art the richest vein,—phrases of thine,
The largest, most embossed, the fiery best,
He needs who, cheered by gratitude, would crest
His love and awe with epithets so fine
They shall exhale some flavor of thy worth,
A fraction speak of what men owe to thee,
Thou lonely one, at whose still modest birth
Were born new worlds of truth and ecstasy,
Thou great emblazoner of man and earth,
Thou secret-holder of humanity.