Intaglios

By the chance turning of a spade
In Roman earth, to view are laid
Bits of carnelian, bronze and gold,
Laboriously carved of old—
Sleek Bacchus with his leaves and grapes;
Bow-bending Centaurs; Gorgon shapes;
Pallas Athene helmeted;
Some grim, forgotten emperor's head....
This one, most precious for its make,
That other, for the metal's sake.

A touch—and lo! are brought to light
Fancies long buried out of sight
In hearts of poets... bits of rhyme
Fashioned in some forgotten time
And thrown aside, but, found to-day,
Have each a value in its way...
This, for the skill with which 't is wrought,
That, for the pathos of its thought.

English Poetry App

This poem and many more can also be found in the English Poetry App.