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And he must read in other eyes, Or if his spirit's sacrifice Shall brighten, touch'd with heaven's own fire, Or in its ashes dark expire. Then even worse,—what art thou, fame? A various and doubtful claim One grants and one denies; what none Can wholly quite agree upon. A dubious and uncertain path At least the modern minstrel hath; How may he tell, where none agree, What may fame's actual passport be?

For me, in sooth, not mine the lute On its own powers to rely; But its chords with all wills to suit, It were an easier task to try