Art

Herman Melville

(1819-1891)

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.

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