Classic Poem

To George Edward Woodberry

Plato, what splendid names I link with thine!
My poets all, who had from thee their dream:
Sweet Spenser first, who of our English line
Love earliest learned and Beauty made his theme:
Milton the next, from whom no veiled sun
Could Wisdom hide nor Virtue's lamp remove;
Then Shelley, heart of hearts! and nearest, one
Loyal to these, who bred me in their love.

He taught me Shelley, who his own youth nurst.
Taught me the loftier music Milton sings,
Spenser he taught, and thee through these to trace;
Now have I felt thee mine, as the eaglet first
Craves the deep heaven, and clothes his heart with wings
To join the star-wide hunting of his race.