Poems (Foote)/Recompense
For works with similar titles, see Recompense.
RECOMPENSE.
THE POET speaks his word to human need;
His sympathy, the proof of battles fought,
And his authority, the Truth he sought.
Yet doth he fail of greatness, if he heed
Applause, in that he shares the common greed.
It is enough for him that he has wrought,-
Thrice blest indeed, if truthfully he taught
In fit expression a diviner creed!
THE POET speaks his word to human need;
His sympathy, the proof of battles fought,
And his authority, the Truth he sought.
Yet doth he fail of greatness, if he heed
Applause, in that he shares the common greed.
It is enough for him that he has wrought,-
Thrice blest indeed, if truthfully he taught
In fit expression a diviner creed!
With single heart one modelled in the tower, -
And scoffers whispered, as they stood apart,
That none might see, but Angels' silent eyes!
Yet how august the audience! Such power
Links every artist to his chosen Art,
And gives that guerdon which the world denies.
And scoffers whispered, as they stood apart,
That none might see, but Angels' silent eyes!
Yet how august the audience! Such power
Links every artist to his chosen Art,
And gives that guerdon which the world denies.