MODERN BRITISH POETS.
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extract in a note to the “Curse of Kehama,” and I think no one can compare the two without feeling that the true alchymy has been at work there. His poetry is a new and life-giving element to the very striking thoughts he borrowed. Charcoal and diamonds are not more unlike in their effect upon the observer.
| “THE GLENDOVEER. |
| “Of human form divine was he, |
| “The immortal youth of heaven who floated by, |
| “ Even such as that divinest form shall be |
| “In those blest stages of our mortal race, |
| “When no infirmity, |
| “Low thought, nor base desire, nor wasting care |
| “Deface the semblance of our heavenly sire— |
| “The wings of eagle or of cherubim |
| “Had seemed unworthy him; |
| “Angelic power and dignity and grace |
| “Were in his glorious pennons; from the neck |
| “Down to the ankle reached their swelling web |
| “Richer than robes of Tyrian dye, that deck |
| “Imperial majesty: |
| “Their color, like the winter’s moonless sky |
| “When all the stars of midnight’s canopy |
| “Shine forth; or like the azure deep at noon, |
| “Reflecting back to heaven a brighter blue, |
| “Such was their tint when closed, but when outspread, |
| “The permeating light |
| “Shed through their substance thin a varying hue; |
| “Now bright as when the rose, |
| “Beauteous as fragrant, gives to scent and sight |
| “A like delight, now like the juice that flows |
| “From Douro’s generous vine, |
| “Or ruby when with deepest red it glows; |
| “Or as the morning clouds refulgent shine |
| “When at forthcoming of the lord of day, |
| “The orient, like a shrine, |
| “Kindles as it receives the rising ray, |
| “And heralding his way |
