Classic Poem

Motley assemblage! some but in their teens,
And others centuries old! contrasts combined —
The magnum opus of a sovereign mind,
Rubbing against plebeian magazines;
Pulpit and stage, too close for go-betweens;
Greek, cheek by jowl with Cockney; every kind
Of raff in company the most refined;

While Faith on Doubt and Heterodoxy leans!
Could they but speak, themselves might, haply, tell
Full many a story, preach more wisdom, more
Of human wont, than all the literal lore
Therein compacted; what quaint haunts have they
Not known — what various friends — what change, decay —
Witnessed what joy and woe ineffable!