The Grandeur of Ghosts

When I have heard small talk about great men I light my two candles; climb to bed; then Consider what was said; and put aside What Such-a-one remarked, and Someone-else replied.

They have spoken lightly of my deathless friends, (Lamps for my gloom, hands guiding where I stumble,) Quoting, for shallow conversational ends, What Shelley shrilled, what Blake once wildly muttered...

How can they use such names and be not humble ? I have sat silent; angry at what they uttered. The dead bequeathed them life; the dead have said What these can only memorise and mumble.