Skip to content
1819–1891

ART

Herman Melville

In placid hours well-pleased we dream Of many a brave unbodied scheme. But form to lend, pulsed life create, What unlike things must meet and mate:

A flame to melt — a wind to freeze; Sad patience — joyous energies; Humility — yet pride and scorn; Instinct and study; love and hate;

Audacity — reverence. These must mate, And fuse with Jacob's mystic heart, To wrestle with the angel — Art.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
ART · Herman Melville · Poetry Cove