Was the world's heart fired and filled,

Heaved in heavenward exaltation

Higher than hopes or dreams might build,

Grave with awe not known while he

Was not, mad with glorious glee

As the sun-saluted sea,

When his hour bade Shakespeare be?

VI

There, clear as night beholds her crowning seven,

The sea beheld his likeness set in heaven.

The shadow of his spirit full in sight

Shone: for the shadow of that soul is light.

Nor heaven alone bore witness: earth avowed

Him present, and acclaimed of storm aloud.

From the arching sky to the ageless hills and sea

The whole world, visible, audible, was he:

Each part of all that wove that wondrous whole

The raiment of the presence of his soul.

The sun that smote and kissed the dark to death

Spake, smiled, and strove, like song's triumphant breath;

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