That Homer in the end might tell;

O’er grovelling generations past

Upstood the Doric fane at last;

And countless hearts on countless years

Had wasted thoughts, and hopes, and fears,

Rude laughter and unmeaning tears;

Ere England Shakespeare saw, or Rome

The pure perfection of her dome.

Others, I doubt not, if not we,

The issue of our toils shall see;