When I have heard small talk about great men br I climb to bed; light my two candles; then br Consider what was said; and put aside br What Such-a-one remarked and Someone-else replied. br br They have spoken lightly of my deathless friends, br (Lamps for my gloom, hands guiding where I stumble,) br Quoting, for shallow conversational ends, br What Shelley shrilled, what Blake once wildly muttered .... br br How can they use such names and be not humble? br I have sat silent; angry at what they uttered. br The dead bequeathed them life; the dead have said br What these can only memorize and mumble.