Page:The poems of Edmund Clarence Stedman, 1908.djvu/229

BYRON What of her child whose swift divining soul

With triple fervor burns the torch apace,

And in one radiant third compacts the whole

Ethereal flame that lights him on his race?

Ay, what of him who to the winds upheld

A star-like brand, with pride and joy and tears,

And lived in that fleet course from youth to eld,

Count them who will, his century of years?

The Power that arches heaven's orbway round

Gave to this planet's brood its soul of fire,

Its heart of passion,—and for life unbound

By chain or creed the measureless desire;

Gave to one poet these, and manifold

High thoughts, beyond our lesser mortal share,—

Gave dreams of beauty, yes, and with a mould

The antique world had worshipped made him fair;

Then touched his lips with music,—lit his brow,

Even as a fane upon a sunward hill,

For strength, gave scorn, the pride that would not bow,

The glorious weapon of a dauntless will.

But that the surcharged spirit—a vapor pent

In beetling crags—a torrent barriered long—

A wind 'gainst heaven's four winds imminent—

Might memorably vent its noble song,

Each soaring gift was fretted with a band

That deadlier clung which way he fain would press:

His were an adverse age, a sordid land,

Gauging his heart by their own littleness;

Blind guides! the fiery spirit scorned their curb,

And Byron's love and gladness,—such the wise 199