AFTER LOOKING INTO CARLYLE'S REMINISCENCES

Three men lived yet when this dead man was young

Whose names and words endure for ever: one

Whose eyes grew dim with straining toward the sun,

And his wings weakened, and his angel's tongue

Lost half the sweetest song was ever sung,

But like the strain half uttered earth hears none,

Nor shall man hear till all men's songs are done:

One whose clear spirit like an eagle hung

Between the mountains hallowed by his love

And the sky stainless as his soul above:

And one the sweetest heart that ever spake

The brightest words wherein sweet wisdom smiled.

These deathless names by this dead snake defiled

Bid memory spit upon him for their sake.