Global Reputation
(23rd April: Shakespeare’s birth and death date)
Shakespeare — the verse and voice of English at its best;
Clear, confident and strong enough to bear the stress
Of tragedy, the pride of history, the depth
Of plain philosophy ans light of comedy —
Who from his hidden years distilled such essences
Of wit and eloquent, sure sensibility
Of wisdom and felicity of thought,. as sent
His reputation ringing round the Globe’s extent.
Where is our modern Shakespeare whose poetic skill
In one phrase, (or an hundred!), can depict a scene
Or draw a character, so fully true to life
It prompts an universal accolade of praise?.
There is none; and there cannot be till we re-learn
Those simple, basic principles of art that he
Practised with understanding and intelligence
Beyond the comprehension of our insolence!.