University of Virginia Library


155

TO ÆGERIA.

Though no “great Poem” o'er Ægeria's name
Shed the cold lustre that the world calls Fame,
Her Life, if so she will, itself may be
A Poem that shall last eternally.
So let her—gathering close from vulgar stain
Her maiden robe—the Bard's high port maintain;
And strong in truth, love, virtue's gentle might,
Live the grand Epic that she will not write.