Viii

It is not for art’s sake this precious dower Of speech must be renewed, but for the sake Of life within. The expression doth not break Silence in vain, but with reflexive power To vitalize its source, and parting shower New riches on the donor. Thus we take Life’s counterthrust upon our souls, and shake The vessel, lest by standing Being sour. All life’s a language; but ’tis not enough To launch forth with it wildly into space, Adding one atom to the blinding drain, A pitiable froth-bell in the trough Of each new cause, wherein the striving race Tries issue with stern time--perchance in vain.

HESEPE, 20th June