To poetic descriptions these remarks do not apply. They are, for the most part, mere views of a character in its elevated and poetic aspects—tributes of admiration to its beautiful qualities. Such are the fine stanzas, already quoted, in which the poet Coleridge is described by the great Poet, his Friend:[149] and such are some less known, composed by a poet of a later generation, who never saw my Father face to face. Of these the last four will serve for a conclusion to this sketch. I give them here for the sake of their poetic truth and the earnest sympathy they manifest with the studious poet—
Philosopher contemning wealth and death,
Yet docile, childlike full of life and love,—
though they are not among the very finest parts of their author’s thoughtful and beautiful poetry.
No loftier, purer soul than his hath ever
With awe revolved the planetary page
(From infancy to age)
Of knowledge: sedulous and proud to give her
The whole of his great heart for her own sake;