Poems (Ripley)/Shakespeare
For works with similar titles, see Shakespeare.
SHAKESPEARE
O poet greatly loved: of deathless fame!
Though three centuries and more have passed away,
Since thou thy matchless genius didst display,
Yet high above all poets stands thy name!
Thou art the poet of the human race!
In every country, and in every tongue,
There art thou known, there art thy praises sung,
For thy delightful wit and matchless grace.
There is a freshness in thy every word,
Which time has never dimmed, and ne'er can dim!
To no particular age dost thou belong,
But to all ages. And where'er thou'rt heard
Thy matchless genius, like a favorite hymn,
Does captivate, and hold the heart lifelong.
Though three centuries and more have passed away,
Since thou thy matchless genius didst display,
Yet high above all poets stands thy name!
Thou art the poet of the human race!
In every country, and in every tongue,
There art thou known, there art thy praises sung,
For thy delightful wit and matchless grace.
There is a freshness in thy every word,
Which time has never dimmed, and ne'er can dim!
To no particular age dost thou belong,
But to all ages. And where'er thou'rt heard
Thy matchless genius, like a favorite hymn,
Does captivate, and hold the heart lifelong.