248 POETS-POETRY. Poet! esteem thy noble part; still listen, still record, To write some earnest verse or line, Which, seeking not the praise of art, Sacred historian of the heart and moral Shall make a clearer faith and manhood shine Ye whose hearts are beating high (If the word be not too bold,) Giving virtue a new birth, And a life that ne'er grows old; Sovereign masters of all hearts! Know ye who hath set your parts? He who gave you breath to sing, By whose strength ye sweep the string, He hath chosen you to lead His hosannas here below; Mount and claim your glorious meed, Linger not with sin and woe. Never did poesy appear So full of heaven to me, as when KEBLE. I saw how it would pierce through pride and Thou hast, (and it is thine,) then not in vain fear To the lives of coarsest men. Are we henceforth prepared to follow in thy |