Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By John JamesPiatt610 The Lost Genius
A
My instant will to ask—
My earthly Servant, from the earth he sprung
Eager for any task!
“Whatever can be,” I.
“Say thy first wish—whate’er thou wilt I can,”
The Strong Slave made reply.
For pearls explore the sea.”
He brought, from East and West and South and North,
All treasures back to me!
“Awake and see it done,”
Spake his great voice at dawn. Oh, miracle
That glittered in the sun!
The vision of my breast;
For her search every clime and every race.”
My yearning arms were blessed!
And poets with their songs,
Crowded my palace halls at every door,
In still, obedient throngs!
(The cold task harder seems:)
He did not hasten with the last content—
The rest, meanwhile, were dreams!
Without a guide, I found
A white-haired phantom with the world his load,
Bending him to the ground!
I marvelled then, in sooth?
“Thy palace-builder, beauty-seeker, see!”
I saw the Ghost of Youth!