Genius is a mighty fountain
Gushing from a cloud-capt mountain;
Talent is a pleasant rill
Winding round a sunny hill.

Genius rushes strong and wild
Where the riven rocks are piled;
Talent wanders through a vale,
Listening to the nightingale.

Genius hath a troubled seeming,
Like a fevered brow in dreaming;
Talent hath a face so fair,
That the stars are mirrored there.

Genius is forever pouring,
Rushing, foaming, seething, roaring;
Talent sings a pleasing lay,
As it glides along its way.

Genius gathers sparkling gems,
Fit for angel diadems;
Talent gathers dewy flowers
From imagination's bowers.

Genius, from its wild endeavor,
Stoppeth, resteth, never, never;
Talent loiters oft to play
With the rainbows on its spray.

Genius, in its wild commotion,
Sweepeth madly to the ocean;
Talent, with its brow so mild,
Meets the wanderer, worn and wild,
And the torrent and the river
Merge and mingle there forever.