Thomas Humphry Ward, ed. The English Poets. 1880–1918.rnVol. V. Browning to Rupert Brooke

Coventry Patmore (1823–1896)

Extracts from The Angel in the House: The Poet’s Confidence

THE RICHEST realm of all the earth

Is counted still a heathen land:

Lo, I, like Joshua, now go forth

To give it into Israel’s hand.

I will not hearken blame or praise;

For so should I dishonour do

To that sweet Power by which these Lays

Alone are lovely, good, and true;

Nor credence to the world’s cries give,

Which ever preach and still prevent

Pure passion’s high prerogative

To make, not follow, precedent.