Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By William MortonPayne

1303 “Ej Blot Til Lyst”

NOT merely for our pleasure, but to purge

The soul from baseness, from ignoble fear,

And all the passions that make dim the clear

Calm vision of the world; our feet to urge

On to ideal far-set goals; to merge

Our being with the heart of things; brought near

The springs of life, to make us see and hear

And feel its swelling and pulsating surge:—

Such, Thespian art divine, thy nobler aim;

For this the tale of Œdipus was told,

Of frenzied Lear, Harpagon’s greed of gold;—

And, knowing this, how must we view with shame

Thy low estate, and hear the plaudits loud

That mark thee now but pander to the crowd!