I see only skeptics and weaklings.

I see only the prisoners in the durance of the senses.

And every fool and every spendthrift

Thinks himself as great a master as Aristotle.

Think'st thou that they have written poems,

Call'st thou that a Song?

I call it the cackling of the ravens.

The zeal of the prophet must free poesy

From the embrace of wanton youths.

My song I have inscribed on the forehead of Time,