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On first looking into Chapmans Homer

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 5 
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; 10 
Or like stout Cortez when with eagle eyes 
He stared at the Pacific¡ªand all his men 
Look'd at each other with a wild surmise¡ª 
Silent upon a peak in Darien. 






Book: Reflection on the Important Things