Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By John LancasterSpalding762 Forepledged
O
To any poet’s soul;
For he the muse will never leave,
But follow to life’s goal.
Whate’er he seems to be;
Strong unseen tendrils round him twine,
And keep him still from thee.
And bear contagious fire;
He knows the charmer’s perfect skill
To wake the heart’s desire.
The genius at his side
Would prove for thee a fatal foe
Wert thou his wedded bride.