Classic Poem

Undeserving to woo her, to win her,
I creep far below her and gaze
As up-gazes a vision-rapt sinner
To seraphim shining through haze.
Shall I grovel unworthy forever?
Ah no! I will fight for my heart
Let me grapple some dizzy endeavor
And mount where she glitters apart.

Shall I seek the sun-fleeces of Jason
And scatter their gold at her feet?
To Atlantis, to Indica hasten
And carve the unknown for her seat?
Shall I foam to the Fortunate Islands,
Or claim Eden's blooms for us two?
O illusions of earthlands and skylands,
Inspire me to will and to do!

What Titans survive, what undying
Medusas, to challenge to fame?
What habergeoned destinies crying
Hortations to battle and flame?
What achievement, what knighthood remaineth
To one who is panting for worth?
Love repineth and wildly complaineth
That perils have vanished from earth.

I would drape her in purple befitting,
Enthrone her and give her a crown,
In the world-coliseum high-sitting,
To regally smile and look down;
Her illumining arms marble-folded,
A thousand keen stars in her eyes,
And the face that a demigod moulded
Uplifted for human surprise;

Around her the terror and glory,
The laurels and blood of the scene;
Eager visages, story on story,
All turning to her as their queen;
While, allotted to perish before her,
Unchanging in color and breath,
I clamor, " All hail! Thy adorer
Salutes thee, and hastens to death. "