* * *

GENIUS.

That which hath been can INTELLECT declare,
What Nature built--it imitates or gilds--
And REASON builds o'er Nature--but in air--
_Genius_ alone in Nature--Nature builds.

* * * * *

CORRECTNESS--(Free translation.)

The calm correctness where no fault we see
Attests Art's loftiest--or its least degree;
Alike the smoothness of the surface shows
The Pool's dull stagnor--the great Sea's repose!

* * * * *

THE IMITATOR.

Good out of good--_that_ art is known to all--
But Genius from the bad the good can call--
Thou, mimic, not from leading strings escaped,
Work'st but the matter that's already shaped!
The already shaped a nobler hand awaits--
All matter asks a spirit that creates.

* * * * *

THE MASTER.

The herd of Scribes by what they tell us
Show all in which their wits excel us;
But the true Master we behold
In what his art leaves--just untold!

* * * * *

TO THE MYSTIC.

That is the real mystery which around
All life, is found;--
Which still before all eyes for aye has been,
Nor eye hath seen!

* * * * *

ASTRONOMICAL WORKS.

All measureless, all infinite in awe,
Heaven to great souls is given--
And yet the sprite of littleness can draw
Down to its inch--the Heaven!

* * * * *

THE DIVISION OF RANKS.

Yes, there's a patent of nobility
Above the meanness of our common state;
With what they _do_ the vulgar natures buy
Its titles--and with what they _are_, the great!

* * * * *

THEOPHANY.

When draw the Prosperous near me, I forget
The gods of heaven; but where
Sorrow and suffering in my sight are set,
The gods, I feel, are there!

* * * * *

THE CHIEF END OF MAN.

What the chief end of Man?--Behold yon tree,
And let it teach thee, Friend!
_Will_ what that will-less yearns for;--and for thee
Is compass'd Man's chief end!

* * * * *

ULYSSES.

To gain his home all oceans he explored--
Here Scylla frown'd--and there Charybdis roar'd;
Horror on sea--and horr