That seemed to play with it in love or scorn,

Encouraged and endeared the strain of words

That haply flowed from me, by fits of silence

Impelled to livelier pace. But now, my Book!

Charged with those lays, and others of like mood, 15

Or loftier pitch if higher rose the theme,

Go, single—yet aspiring to be joined

With thy Forerunners that through many a year

Have faithfully prepared each other’s way—

Go forth upon a mission best fulfilled 20