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" If thou indeed derive thy light from Heaven,
Then, to the measure of that heaven-born light,
Shine, Poet! in thy place, and be content: --
The stars pre-eminent in magnitude,
And they that from the zenith dart their beams,
(Visible though they be to half the earth,
Though half a sphere be conscious of their brightness)
Are yet of no diviner origin,
No purer essence, than the one that burns,
Like an untended watch-fire on the ridge
Of some dark mountain; or than those which seem
Humbly to hang, like twinkling winter lamps,
Among the branches of the leafless trees.
All are the undying offspring of one Sire:
Then, to the measure of the light vouchsafed,
Shine, Poet! in thy place, and be content. "

William Wordsworth


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William Wordsworth quote : If thou indeed derive thy light from Heaven,<br />Then, to the measure of that heaven-born light,<br />Shine, Poet! in thy place, and be content: --<br />The stars pre-eminent in magnitude,<br />And they that from the zenith dart their beams,<br />(Visible though they be to half the earth,<br />Though half a sphere be conscious of their brightness)<br />Are yet of no diviner origin,<br />No purer essence, than the one that burns,<br />Like an untended watch-fire on the ridge<br />Of some dark mountain; or than those which seem<br />Humbly to hang, like twinkling winter lamps,<br />Among the branches of the leafless trees.<br />All are the undying offspring of one Sire:<br />Then, to the measure of the light vouchsafed,<br />Shine, Poet! in thy place, and be content.