MODERN BRITISH POETS.
85
extract in a note to the “Curse of Kehama,” and I think no one can compare the two without feeling that the true alchymy has been at work there. His poetry is a new and life-giving element to the very striking thoughts he borrowed. Charcoal and diamonds are not more unlike in their effect upon the observer.
| “THE GLENDOVEER. |
| “Of human form divine was he, |
| The immortal youth of heaven who floated by, |
| Even such as that divinest form shall be |
| In those blest stages of our mortal race, |
| When no infirmity, |
| Low thought, nor base desire, nor wasting care |
| Deface the semblance of our heavenly sire— |
| The wings of eagle or of cherubim |
| Had seemed unworthy him; |
| Angelic power and dignity and grace |
| Were in his glorious pennons; from the neck |
| Down to the ankle reached their swelling web |
| Richer than robes of Tyrian dye, that deck |
| Imperial majesty: |
| Their color, like the winter’s moonless sky |
| When all the stars of midnight’s canopy |
| Shine forth; or like the azure deep at noon, |
| Reflecting back to heaven a brighter blue, |
| Such was their tint when closed, but when outspread, |
| The permeating light |
| Shed through their substance thin a varying hue; |
| Now bright as when the rose, |
| Beauteous as fragrant, gives to scent and sight |
| A like delight, now like the juice that flows |
| From Douro’s generous vine, |
| Or ruby when with deepest red it glows; |
| Or as the morning clouds refulgent shine |
| When at forthcoming of the lord of day, |
| The orient, like a shrine, |
| Kindles as it receives the rising ray, |
| And heralding his way |
