Poem 29 of 100 days of poetry
\nhttps:\/\/soundcloud.com\/rob-goll\/the-old-astronomer-poem-by-sarah-williams<\/p>\n
Reach me down my Tycho Brah\u00e9, \u2013 I would know him when we meet,
\nWhen I share my later science, sitting humbly at his feet;
\nHe may know the law of all things, yet be ignorant of how
\nWe are working to completion, working on from then to now.<\/p>\n
Pray remember that I leave you all my theory complete,
\nLacking only certain data for your adding, as is meet,
\nAnd remember men will scorn it, \u2018tis original and true,
\nAnd the obloquy of newness may fall bitterly on you.<\/p>\n
But, my pupil, as my pupil you have learned the worth of scorn,
\nYou have laughed with me at pity, we have joyed to be forlorn,
\nWhat for us are all distractions of men\u2019s fellowship and wiles;
\nWhat for us the Goddess Pleasure with her meretricious smiles.<\/p>\n
You may tell that German College that their honor comes too late,
\nBut they must not waste repentance on the grizzly savant\u2019s fate.
\nThough my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light;
\nI have loved the stars too truly to be fearful of the night.<\/p>\n
What, my boy, you are not weeping? You should save your eyes for sight;
\nYou will need them, mine observer, yet for many another night.
\nI leave none but you, my pupil, unto whom my plans are known.
\nYou \u201chave none but me,\u201d you murmur, and I \u201cleave you quite alone\u201d?<\/p>\n
Well then, kiss me, \u2013 since my mother left her blessing on my brow,
\nThere has been a something wanting in my nature until now;
\nI can dimly comprehend it, \u2013 that I might have been more kind,
\nMight have cherished you more wisely, as the one I leave behind.<\/p>\n
I \u201chave never failed in kindness\u201d? No, we lived too high for strife,\u2013
\nCalmest coldness was the error which has crept into our life;
\nBut your spirit is untainted, I can dedicate you still
\nTo the service of our science: you will further it? you will!<\/p>\n
There are certain calculations I should like to make with you,
\nTo be sure that your deductions will be logical and true;
\nAnd remember, \u201cPatience, Patience,\u201d is the watchword of a sage,
\nNot to-day nor yet to-morrow can complete a perfect age.<\/p>\n
I have sown, like Tycho Brah\u00e9, that a greater man may reap;
\nBut if none should do my reaping, 'twill disturb me in my sleep
\nSo be careful and be faithful, though, like me, you leave no name;
\nSee, my boy, that nothing turn you to the mere pursuit of fame.<\/p>\n
I must say Good-bye, my pupil, for I cannot longer speak;
\nDraw the curtain back for Venus, ere my vision grows too weak:
\nIt is strange the pearly planet should look red as fiery Mars,\u2013
\nGod will mercifully guide me on my way amongst the stars.<\/p>\n
Thanks for listening<\/em> \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n