A REMEMBERED CRITIC.TO J. R. D.

A REMEMBERED CRITIC.TO J. R. D.

KKindwords, that greater kindness still impliedFrom one unused to praise, for one unknownTo him and to the world where he had grownLess wont to cheer the artist than to chide;And always in my heart I thought with prideSome day to know him, and for him aloneBring the fair finished work, that he might own—“O friend, behold my full faith justified!”Now he is dead! a man severe, they saidWho knew the critic; but around the spotWe call his grave, by some sweet memory ledOf kindred sweetness, violets have notRefused to bloom; and one he had forgotWept suddenly to hear that he was dead.

KKindwords, that greater kindness still impliedFrom one unused to praise, for one unknownTo him and to the world where he had grownLess wont to cheer the artist than to chide;And always in my heart I thought with prideSome day to know him, and for him aloneBring the fair finished work, that he might own—“O friend, behold my full faith justified!”Now he is dead! a man severe, they saidWho knew the critic; but around the spotWe call his grave, by some sweet memory ledOf kindred sweetness, violets have notRefused to bloom; and one he had forgotWept suddenly to hear that he was dead.

KKindwords, that greater kindness still impliedFrom one unused to praise, for one unknownTo him and to the world where he had grownLess wont to cheer the artist than to chide;And always in my heart I thought with prideSome day to know him, and for him aloneBring the fair finished work, that he might own—“O friend, behold my full faith justified!”Now he is dead! a man severe, they saidWho knew the critic; but around the spotWe call his grave, by some sweet memory ledOf kindred sweetness, violets have notRefused to bloom; and one he had forgotWept suddenly to hear that he was dead.

K

Kindwords, that greater kindness still implied

From one unused to praise, for one unknown

To him and to the world where he had grown

Less wont to cheer the artist than to chide;

And always in my heart I thought with pride

Some day to know him, and for him alone

Bring the fair finished work, that he might own—

“O friend, behold my full faith justified!”

Now he is dead! a man severe, they said

Who knew the critic; but around the spot

We call his grave, by some sweet memory led

Of kindred sweetness, violets have not

Refused to bloom; and one he had forgot

Wept suddenly to hear that he was dead.


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