It took Matthew Arnold 12 years to finish this one.
“Early Death and Fame” was first published in Fraser’s Magazine, in May 1855, and went through several changes until, in 1867, it found its final form. The changes were small. Were they fussy? I think not.
EARLY DEATH AND FAME For him who must see many years, I praise the life which slips away. Out of the light and mutely; which avoids Fame, and her less fair followers, envy, strife, Stupid detraction, jealousy, cabal, Insincere praises; which descends The quiet mossy track to age. But, when immature death Beckons too early the guest From the half-tried banquet of life, Young in the bloom of his days; Leaves no leisure to press, Slow and surely, the sweets Of a tranquil life in the shade — Fuller for him be the hours! Give him emotion, though pain! Let him live, let him feel: I have lived. Heap up his moments with life! Triple his pulses with fame! Words that were changed in bold: ___________________________________________________ For him who must live many years, (first line) That life is best which slips away. (second line) The mossy quiet track to age. (seventh line) Slow and surely, the sweet (thirteenth line)
Hi, Jan, long time no see! But I do read your ArtsJournal blog and hope you are well.
Your post makes me wonder if Arnold’s poem influenced A.E. Housman in “To An Athlete Dying Young,” written about thirty years later, which shares some of the same sentiments.?
To your point: Those poems DO share the same sentiment. Does that mean Houseman was “influenced”? Dunno.