James Dixon (1814–1873)

With a “Forget-me-not” from the grave of KEATS, on whose tombstone are inscribed these words:—

“HERE LIES ONE WHOSE NAME WAS WRIT IN WATER.”

WANDERING in Rome, for thee a gift I sought:

Around me were the wonders of the past;

And modern Art, on every side, had cast

Her gems of richest beauty. Yet methought

These were scarce worthy thee. At length I stood,

One Sabbath eve, beside the grave of KEATS;

The turf was bright with flowers that gave their sweets

To the soft night-air, as in mournful mood:

Sad thoughts came o’er me, and I could have wept

That all the hopes that in the Poet’s heart,

As in a sanctuary, had been kept,

Could fade so soon, and perish, and depart;

I plucked this flower for thee, the Muses’ happiest daughter,

And joyed to think thy name should ne’er be “writ in water.”