Outflamed their own, begrudged him; till their pique
grew plain, and sent proud color to his cheek.
So now he fared as some new actor fares,
Who through dark arras gains the open boards,
Facing the lights, and feels a thousand stares
Come full upon him; and the great throng hoards
Its plaudits; and, as he begins his tale,
His rivals wait to mock him if he fail.
But here a brave simplicity of soul
And careless vigilance, by honor bred,