First Folio Portrait of Shakespeare
|
"Do I stoop? I pluck a posy. Do I stand and stare? All's blue." |
The final touch is given in the hint that all the time Shakespeare is aware of his own greatness, perhaps to be recognized by a future age.
Let Browning, himself, now show what he has done with the material.
AT THE "MERMAID"
The figure that thou here seest.... Tut!
Was it for gentle Shakespeare put?
B. Jonson. (Adapted.)
I
I—"Next Poet?" No, my hearties,
I nor am nor fain would be!
Choose your chiefs and pick your parties,
Not one soul revolt to me!
I, forsooth, sow song-sedition?
I, a schism in verse provoke?
I, blown up by bard's ambition,
Burst—your bubble-king? You joke.