| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 610. The Lost Genius |
| | | By John James Piatt |
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| A GIANT came to me when I was young, | |
| My instant will to ask— | |
| My earthly Servant, from the earth he sprung | |
| Eager for any task! | |
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| “What wilt thou, O my Master?” he began, | 5 |
| “Whatever can be,” I. | |
| “Say thy first wish—whate’er thou wilt I can,” | |
| The Strong Slave made reply. | |
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| “Enter the earth and bring its riches forth, | |
| For pearls explore the sea.” | 10 |
| He brought, from East and West and South and North, | |
| All treasures back to me! | |
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| “Build me a palace wherein I may dwell.” | |
| “Awake and see it done,” | |
| Spake his great voice at dawn. Oh, miracle | 15 |
| That glittered in the sun! | |
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| “Find me the princess fit for my embrace, | |
| The vision of my breast; | |
| For her search every clime and every race.” | |
| My yearning arms were blessed! | 20 |
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| “Get me all knowledge.” Sages with their lore, | |
| And poets with their songs, | |
| Crowded my palace halls at every door, | |
| In still, obedient throngs! | |
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| “Now bring me wisdom.” Long ago he went; | 25 |
| (The cold task harder seems:) | |
| He did not hasten with the last content— | |
| The rest, meanwhile, were dreams! | |
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| Houseless and poor, on many a trackless road, | |
| Without a guide, I found | 30 |
| A white-haired phantom with the world his load, | |
| Bending him to the ground! | |
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| “I bring thee wisdom, Master.” Is it he, | |
| I marvelled then, in sooth? | |
| “Thy palace-builder, beauty-seeker, see!” | 35 |
| I saw the Ghost of Youth! | |
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