On First Looking Into Chapman's Homer

1Much have I travell'd in the realms of gold,

2 And many goodly states and kingdoms seen;

3 Round many western islands have I been

4Which bards in fealty to Apollo hold.

5Oft of one wide expanse had I been told

6 That deep-brow'd Homer ruled as his demesne;

7 Yet did I never breathe its pure serene

8Till I heard Chapman speak out loud and bold:

9Then felt I like some watcher of the skies

10 When a new planet swims into his ken;

11Or like stout Cortez when with eagle eyes

12 He star'd at the Pacific — and all his men

13Look'd at each other with a wild surmise —

14 Silent, upon a peak in Darien.