The light of feeling o’er him shone,

So did I clasp with young devotion

Bright nature to a poet’s heart;

Till breath and warmth and vital motion

Seemed through the statue form to dart.

“And then, in all my ardor sharing,

The silent form expression found;

Returned my kiss of youthful daring,

And understood my heart’s quick sound.

Then lived for me the bright creation,