On First Looking Into Chapman's Homer

by John Keats

Much have I travell'd in the realms of gold,
And many goodly states and kingdoms seen
Round many western islands have I been
Which bards in fealty to Apollo hold.
Oft of one wide expanse had I been told
That deep-brow'd Homer ruled as his demesne
Yet did I never breathe its pure serene
Till I heard Chapman speak out loud and bold:
Then felt I like some watcher of the skies
When a new planet swims into his ken;
Or like stout Cortez when with eagle eyes
He stared at the Pacific -- and all his men
Look'd at each other with a wild surmise --
Silent, upon a peak in Darien.

Source:

The poetical works of John Keats.
Copyright 1871
James Miller, 647 Broadway, New York
 

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