Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Edmund ClarenceStedman

574 On a Great Man Whose Mind Is Clouding

THAT sovereign thought obscured? That vision clear

Dimmed in the shadow of the sable wing,

And fainter grown the fine interpreting

Which as an oracle was ours to hear!

Nay, but the Gods reclaim not from the seer

Their gift,—although he ceases here to sing,

And, like the antique sage, a covering

Draws round his head, knowing what change is near.