University of Virginia Library

[“Ladies and Gentlemen—It was a strange]

“Ladies and Gentlemen—It was a strange
Sensation that came o'er me, when at first,
From the broad sunshine, I stepped in and saw
The narrowing line of daylight that came running
In after me shut by the door outside.
All then around was dusky twilight dim,
Made out of shadows most fantastical,
The unsubstantial progeny of light
Shining on singularities of art.
There stood around, all in a circ'lar row,
Seven colossal statues—each a king
Upon a rich Corinthian capital.
Sceptres were in their hands, and on their heads
Were golden crowns, in shape similar
To that small bonnet which adorned of yore
My dexter temple, when, the live-long day,
I delved the classics in that blue-coat school,
Fast by famed Newgate's jail; and one there was
As Nestor, or as Priam king of Troy,
Venerable—a marble brought from Athens,
Which, though oblivion hung upon his nose,
Wore the grave aspect of antiquity.
‘These,’ said our host, the modest Mister Soane,
‘Are planets, and they rule the fates of men.’
‘Are they not rather,’ was my fond reply,
Thrilling with wonderment ineffable,
‘The seven sciences—stupendous spirits,
That mock the pride of man, and people space
With life and mystical predominance?’
And, full of that sublime conception, out
I throbbing came upon this window-sill,
Where I beheld you multitudinous,
A Lake of Physiognomies, whose waves
Were human faces—and whose murmurings—
Discordant din of discontented tongues,
Shattered the crystal calmness of the air.—
But I had then the sense of sweetest influences, [To the Ladies.

The intelligible forms of ancient poets,
The fair humanities of old religion,
The power, the beauty, and the majesty,
That have their haunts in dale or piny mountain,
Or forest by low stream or pebbly spring,
Or such green bogs as Irishmen afar,
In Australasia or Cabotia lone,
Dream are in Erin's isle. Then I bethought
Wherefore this wise and beauteous multitude
Were here assembled, from all quarters come,
Like the rich argosies and merchantmen
That swing at anchor in the pool or stream
Below famed London bridge—and thence inspired,
I call upon you to give suffrage. Now,
Who shall be Editor, and, like the stars
Immortal burning in their glorious spheres,
Make you all stars, dispensing destiny?
For such shall be the issues of this day,
If you, in your intelligence serene,
Make a seraphic choice.”