Chanting thy latest song aloft

With no tremor or disguise.

Thine is a music that defies

The envious rival near;

Thou hast no fear

Of the day’s vogue, the scornful critic’s sneer.

Would, O wisest bard, that now

I could cheerly sing as thou!

Would I might chant the thoughts which on me throng

For the very joy of song!