IX: To Mr. MacReady,

ON THE BIRTH OF HIS FIRST CHILD; IN RECOLLECTION OF HIS PERFORMANCE OF VIRGINIUS There is no father, who, with swimming eyes, Has seen thee present life and passion lend To scenes by simple-hearted poet penn'd, Depicting household love in Roman guise, Which, breathed through ancient forms, in freshness vies With love of yesterday, who does not send A greeting to thee as a new-bless'd friend, Now thy own heart acknowledges the ties Which skill, forestalling nature, made thee guess With finest apprehension, and commend To tearful crowds;--yet while the sweet excess Of joy that thou hast passion'd forth, shall fill Thy soul with all it dream'd of happiness, May grief remain the artist's fiction still!