BARDOLATRY II

     
     What kind of genius had the Stratford Bard
     That guided him to write those poems and plays
     Which since have won preeminent regard
     Destined to last until the end of days?
     How did he gain such mastery of verse,
     Learning to turn his lines with graceful ease,
     Prompting imagination to disburse
     Both sense and melody designed to please?
     But more, whence came his lusty characters
     Who populated his supernal stage,
     To whom each envious playwright since defers
     As if, like Prospero, he’d been a mage?
          One must conclude Shakespeare’s infinity
          Of wit and art reveals divinity.

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