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ACADEMIC HONOURS.
Under the shadow of green laurel leaves
The poet marcheth, with unfaltering breath ;And from the glory which his fancy weaves
Draws strength, which tincteth the wan cheeksof Death:Under the shadow of the laurel green
The soldier smileth ; and wayfaring menPiercing the desert with proud looks are seen,
And hoary seamen face wild waves again:But chief, 'midst hopes untried, with fear afar,
The young pale scholar seeks some dim renown,Misled by influence of deceitful star,
To where Death hides behind the laurel crown:Alas, grey age and pallid youth the same !
All leave fair truth, to clutch the phantom—Fame!
Barry Cornwall.