Text: John Tomlin to Edgar Allan Poe — December 12, 1841

Lines

Composed on reading his “Theodoric of the Amali” published in the May and June Nos. Of the “Gentleman’s Magazine” for 1840.

——

As a bright swan floats on a crystal river,

— So down the silver current of thy style,

Thy story glides, — and like a “joy forever”,

— Wins its glad way: charming us the while

To hear the mad thunders of the Hippodrome,

— With frantic homage greet the harlot’s charms,

Anon to see the majestic head of Rome

— Bowed to the Earth before the Gothic arms. —

To Thee! whose theme now plays with maiden’s hair,

— Now pictures warrior’s in their dread array,

With equal grace and glowing colours rare, —

— This homely tribute of rough verse I pay!

— But let not scenes like these engross thy pen;

— For broader plans and loftier themes I ask

Than the base manners of degenerate men —

— Oh! suit thy genius with a nobler task!

Declare the story of Virginia’s woes,

— How young Valeria played a Roman part,

Or how the virtuous servant girl arose

— And shared proud Peter’s throne, and reigned o’er all his heart.

T. E —— .

December 1841