HIS words were magic and his heart was true, And everywhere he wandered he was blessed. Out of all ancient men my childhood knew I choose him and I mark him for the best. Of all authoritative liars, too, I crown him loveliest. How fondly I remember the delight That always glorified him in the spring; The joyous courage and the benedight Profusion of his faith in everything! He was a good old man, and it was right That he should have his fling. And often, underneath the apple-trees, When we surprised him in the summer time, With what superb magnificence and ease He sinned enough to make the day sublime! And if he liked us there about his knees, Truly it was no crime. All summer long we loved him for the same Perennial inspiration of his lies; And when the russet wealth of autumn came, There flew but fairer visions to our eyes-- Multiple, tropical, winged with a feathery flame Like birds of paradise. So to the sheltered end of many a year He charmed the seasons out with pageantry Wearing upon his forehead, with no fear, The laurel of approved iniquity. And every child who knew him, far or near, Did love him faithfully. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SIR GALAHAD by ALFRED TENNYSON INDEPENDENCE by HENRY DAVID THOREAU FAMILIAR EPISTLES ON A SERMON, 'OFFICE & OPERATIONS OF HOLY SPIRIT': 5 by JOHN BYROM HOW CAME THE HOLLY BERRIES RED? by CHARLES W. E. CHAPIN JR. THE MOTHER AT THE TELESCOPE by SARAH NORCLIFFE CLEGHORN THE POOR MAN'S FRIEND by ELIZA COOK |