008. John Keats letter to John Taylor, p. 2

p. 2

him and set soberly although in magnificence leaving
him in the luxury of twilight. but it is easier to
think what Poetry should be than to write it — and
this leads me on to another axiom. That if Poetry
comes not as naturally as the Leaves to a tree it had
better not come at all. However it may be with
me I cannot help looking into new countries
with ‘O for a Muse of fire to ascend!’— If Endymion
serves me as a Pioneer perhaps I ought
to be content: I have great reason to be content,
for thank God I can read and perhaps
understand Shakspeare to his depths, and I have
I am sure many friends, who, if I fail, will
attribute any change in my life and Temper
to Humbleness rather than to Pride — to a cowering
under the Wings of great Poets rather than ^to a
Bitterness that I am not appreciated. I am
anxious to get Endymion printed that I may
forget it and proceed. I have coppied [sic] the 3^rd
Book and have begun the 4^th. On running
my Eye over the Proofs, I saw one Mistake
I will notice it presently and also any others if
there by any. There should be no comma