Phantasmagoria and Other Poems

MY First is singular at best:More plural is my Second:My Third is far the pluralest –So plural-plural, I protestIt scarcely can be reckoned!My First is followed by a bird:

My Second by believersIn magic art: my simple ThirdFollows, too often, hopes absurdAnd plausible deceivers.My First to get at wisdom tries –A failure melancholy!My Second men revered as wise:

My Third from heights of wisdom fliesTo depths of frantic folly.My First is ageing day by day:My Second's age is ended:My Third enjoys an age, they say,That never seems to fade away,

Through centuries extended.My Whole? I need a poet's penTo paint her myriad phases:The monarch, and the slave, of men –A mountain-summit, and a denOf dark and deadly mazes –A flashing light – a fleeting shade –

Beginning, end, and middleOf all that human art hath madeOr wit devised! Go, seek HER aid,If you would read my riddle!

Fame's Penny Trumpet

Affectionately dedicated to all original researchers who pant for endowment.