We are all born originals - why is it so many of us die copies?

Some for renown, on scraps of learning dote, And think they grow immortal as they quote.

Like our shadows, our wishes lengthen as our sun declines.

We are all born originals - why is it so many of us die copies?

Creation sleeps! 'T is as the general pulse Of life stood still, and Nature made a pause,- An awful pause! prophetic of her end.

However smothered under former negligence, or scattered through the dull, dark mass of common thoughts - let thy genius rise as the sun from chaos.

In chambers deep, Where waters sleep, What unknown treasures pave the floor.