Alice, I need not tell you that the Art That copies Nature, even at its best, Is but the echo of a splendid tone, Or like the answer of a little child To the deep question of some frosted sage....
A joy from my soul's departed, A bliss from my heart is flown, As weary, weary-hearted, I wander alone - alone! The night wind sadly sigheth A withering, wild refrain, And my heart within me dieth...
I stood upon the Plain, That had trembled when the slain, Hurled their proud, defiant curses at the battle-heated foe, When the steed dashed right and left, Through the bloody gaps he cleft,...
His heart's a burning censer, filled with spice From fairer vales than those of Araby, Breathing such prayers to heaven, that the nice Discriminating ear of Deity...