@3On Receiving from the Clarendon Press the New Facsimile Edition of Christopher Smart's@1 "@3Song to David@1" 1763 THE Song itself! Thus the bright-templed rhyme Before the secret-smiling author came; Thus stood the page where thus he wrote his name With instinct of his triumph over time! It is a mantle fit for such a man, And humble Fletcher* of St. Paul's Churchyard Knew what perhaps none but a master can And in his own gift understood the bard. Now Oxford, Time's delight, with joy renews Whate'er his press achieved of strength and grace Meet for the symmetry of a great Muse, And the old friend returns with an old face. Thrice-happy Christopher's evangel light! In this black ink his love shall still shine bright. |