Kayser! to whom, as to a second self, Nature, or Nature's next-of-kin, the Elf, Hight Genius, hath dispens'd the happy skill To cheer or soothe the parting friend's 'alas'! Turning the blank scroll to a magic glass, That makes the absent present at our will; And to the shadowing of thy pencil gives Such seeming substance, that it almost lives. Well hast thou given the thoughtful Poet's face! Yet hast thou on the tablet of his mind A more delightful portrait left behind -- Ev'n thy own youthful beauty, and artless grace, Thy natural gladness and eyes bright with glee! Kayser! farewell! Be wise! be happy! and forget not me. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DOMESDAY BOOK: THE GOVERNOR by EDGAR LEE MASTERS THE PASSIONATE SHEPHERD: PASTORAL 3. THE HAPPY COUNTRYMAN by NICHOLAS BRETON THE PLANTING OF THE APPLE TREE by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT TO MRS. THRALE [ON HER COMPLETING HER THIRTY-FIFTH YEAR] by SAMUEL JOHNSON (1709-1784) THE OLD MAN'S WISH by WALTER POPE |