Rude verses on them all; and then I paused—

I had done nothing, so I sought to know

What other minds achieved. No fear outbroke

As on the works of mighty bards I gazed,

In the first joy at finding my own thoughts

Recorded, my own fancies justified,

And their aspirings but my very own.

With them I first explored passion and mind,—

All to begin afresh! I rather sought

To rival what I wondered at than form