But better far it is to speak
One simple word, which now and then
Shall waken their free nature in the weak 80
And friendless sons of men;

To write some earnest verse or line
Which, seeking not the praise of art.
Shall make a clearer faith and manhood shine
In the untutored heart.

He who doth this, in verse or prose, 85
May be forgotten in his day,
But surely shall be crowned at last with those
Who live and speak for aye.




HEBE


I saw the twinkle of white feet.
I saw the flash of robes descending;
Before her ran an influence fleet,
That bowed my heart like barley bending.

As, in bare fields, the searching bees 5
Pilot to blooms beyond our finding,
It led me on, by sweet degrees