26. Addressed to Haydon. Keats, John. 1884. The Poetical Works of John Keats

John Keats (1795–1821). The Poetical Works of John Keats. 1884.

26. Addressed to Haydon


HIGHMINDEDNESS, a jealousy for good,
A loving-kindness for the great man’s fame,
Dwells here and there with people of no name,
In noisome alley, and in pathless wood:
And where we think the truth least understood,	5
Oft may be found a “singleness of aim,”
That ought to frighten into hooded shame
A money mong’ling, pitiable brood.
How glorious this affection for the cause
Of stedfast genius, toiling gallantly!	10
What when a stout unbending champion awes
Envy, and Malice to their native sty?
Unnumber’d souls breathe out a still applause,
Proud to behold him in his country’s eye.