Of statesmen, warriors, sage philosophers,
And all earth’s greatest emulative thought
And nobleness of heart. Whene’er the world
Neglects sweet poesy, and dis-esteems
The songs of bards, her holier life burns dim
And flickers in the temple, and the voice
Of prophets may send forth the cry of woe!
Oft when the spirit hath been deeply tried
By grief or love, or disappointment stern,
A healing balsam hath the poet’s skill