Classic Poem

I

I N poets all my marks you'll see,
Since flash and smoke reveal me.
Suspect me always near Nat Lee,
E'en Blackmore can't conceal me.

II

In Milton's page I glow by art,
One flame intense and even:
In Shakespeare's blaze, a sudden start,
Like Lightnings flashed from Heaven,

III

In many more, as well as they,
Though various forms I shift,
I'm gently lambent when I'm Gay ,
I'm brightest when I'm Swift .

IV

In other forms I oft am seen,
In breasts of young and fair,
And as the Virtues dwell within,
You'll always find me there.

V

I with pure-piercing, brilliant gleam
Can arm Eliza's eye.
With modest soft ethereal beam
Sweet Mary's I supply.