The Author's Last Words to his Students[1]
Forgive what I, adventuring highest themes, Have spoiled and darkened, and the awkward handThat longed to point the moral of man's dreams And shut the wicket-gates of fairyland: So by too harsh intrusion Left colourless confusion.
For even the glories that I most revered, Seen through my gloomed perspective in strange mood,Were not what to our British seers appeared; I spoke of peace, I made a solitude, Herding with deathless graces My hobbling commonplaces.
Forgive that eyeless lethargy which chilled Your ardours and I fear dimmed much fine gold—What your bright passion, leaping ages, thrilled To find and claim, and I yet dared withhold; These and all chance offences Against your finer senses.
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- ↑ In the school of English Literature, at the Tokyo Imperial University, 1924-1927.
