Classic Poem

With unaffected gratitude I gaze
Around upon those silent sons of thought,
From time's far depths and far-off regions brought;
Ready with many tongues and lore and lays
To minister to my capricious days!
Chambers with golden sentences enwrought,
They open liberal-hearted soon as sought,
Nor claim nor heed my inefficient praise.
Oh, kind companions! My mentors true,
My playmates, minstrels, mortal and divine!
I think he would die happier who knew
His thoughts, deposited in some small shrine
Like yours, should find a resting-place by you,
There with undying light, though faint, to shine.