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Read more poems by Ralph Waldo Emerson: Ralph Waldo Emerson Poems at Poetry X.

Virtue runs before the muse
And defies her skill,
She is rapt, and doth refuse
To wait a painter's will.

Star-adoring, occupied,
Virtue cannot bend her,
Just to please a poet's pride,
To parade her splendor.

The bard must be with good intent
No more his, but hers,
Throw away his pen and paint,
Kneel with worshippers.

Then, perchance, a sunny ray
From the heaven of fire,
His lost tools may over-pay,
And better his desire. 

Added: 6 Oct 2002 | Last Read: 2 Sep 2026 7:19 PM | Viewed: 7575 times

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