Such was old Chaucer. Such the placid mien Of him who first with harmony informed The language of our fathers. Here he dwelt For many a cheerful day. These ancient walls Have often heard him, while his legends blithe He sang; of love, or knighthood, or the wiles Of homely life: through each estate and age, The fashions and the follies of the world With cunning hand portraying. Though perchance From Blenheim's towers, O stranger, thou art come, Glowing with Churchill's trophies; yet in vain Dost thou applaud them, if thy breast be cold To him, this other hero; who, in times Dark and untaught, began with charming verse To tame the rudeness of his native land. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FLEMING HELPHENSTINE by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON RESOLUTION OF A POETICAL QUESTION CONCERNING FOUR RURAL SISTERS: 2 by CHARLES COTTON LULLABY by CHARLES LUTWIDGE DODGSON ANDROMEDA by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS FRIENDSHIP [OR, THE TRUE FRIEND] by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE THE DISCOVERY; SONNET by JOHN COLLINGS SQUIRE |