1] Oft have we trod the vales of Castaly
2] And heard sweet notes of sylvan music blown
3] From antique reeds to common folk unknown:
4] And often launched our bark upon that sea
5] Which the nine Muses hold in empery,
6] And ploughed free furrows through the wave and foam,
7] Nor spread reluctant sail for more safe home
8] Till we had freighted well our argosy.
9] Of which despoilèd treasures these remain,
10] Sordello's passion, and the honied line
11] Of young Endymion, lordly Tamburlaine
12] Driving his pampered jades, and more than these,
13] The seven-fold vision of the Florentine,
14] And grave-browed Milton's solemn harmonies.