Homer and Ossian

Where is the Greek, where is the Celt?

They disappeared, like cities dealt
A deathly blow by ocean's flow
Which swallowed them, we only know
Where once they stood, because we see
Their towers' spires above the
These mighty towers still seen by man.
Are you Homer and Ossian!

A beggar one, of royal blood

The other, but what is more odd
The similarity we find: —

The beggar and the prince — both blind!
Who knows, did not both lose their sight
By looking in the dazzling light
Of their own soul, their glory bright?

Great geniuses both! Did they
With magic hand on their lutes play
Divine command like, they to build
FOr men a world, which their mind filled
With thoughts inspiring, wonderful.
Sublimely grand and beautiful ?
Did you hear Homer? In his song:
The thundrous bolts, the passions strong •
Eternal smiles oi peaceful joy,

With dawn's brightness laughingly . toy,
The midday sun's gold rays spread o'er
The sea's blonde waves and o'er the shore
Of islands green, where gently play
The demigods with human clay.
Yea! Mortal men, — God's from above, —
Unite to play thy plays: sweet love!

And did you e'er to Ossian list?
In northern sea's eternal mist,
Above wild peaks, when thundrous storms,
In dreadful nights the shapeless forms
Let loose! his clarion voice is heard
And all the nature seemeth stirred.

With blooded hues, when like abed
The sun had gone, the moonrays spread
A spectre shroud o'er the horrid scene:
The field o'er which the marching ghosts,-
Of former days' the warrior hosts, —
Led by their captains can be seen.

All that is light and fair and bright
Is in thy song, thou beggar-knight,
Homer! Thou art the world's delight.

All that is drear, austere, severe
Is in thy song thou royal seer.
Prince Ossian! to mankind dear
Are ye, Homer and Ossian!

Proceed! Proceed to inspire men
With your immortal songs! and when
To centuries, milleniums,

— Time 's pitiless, — the world succumbs:
Your name, your fame shall e'er remain
Untarnished, your laurels retain
Their freshest green! and great you'll be
Till time 's lost in eternity!