Oft of one wide expanse had I been told That deep-brow’d Homer ruled as his demesne: Yet did I never breathe its pure serene Till I heard Chapman speak out loud and bold:
Then felt I like some watcher of the skies When a new planet swims into his ken; Or like stout Cortez when with eagle eyes
He stared at the Pacific—and all his men Look’d at each other with a wild surmise— Silent, upon a peak in Darien.
[ SONG]
FOR MUSIC A lake and a fairy boat To sail in the moonlight clear,— And merrily we would float From the dragons that watch us here!
Thy gown should be snow-white silk, And strings of orient pearls, Like gossamers dipped in milk, Should twine with thy raven curls
Red rubies should deck thy hands, And diamonds should be thy dower— But Fairies have broke their wands, And wishing has lost its power!