Poem “Applause” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Maurine and Other Poems

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American Literature – American Poetry – Ella Wheeler Wilcox – Poems by Ella Wheeler Wilcox – Maurine and Other Poems
< < < Winter Rain
Life > > >

Applause

I hold it one of the sad certain laws
   Which makes our failures sometimes seem more kind
   Than that success which brings sure loss behind—
True greatness dies, when sounds the world’s applause
Fame blights the object it would bless, because
   Weighed down with men’s expectancy, the mind
   Can no more soar to those far heights, and find
That freedom which its inspiration was.
When once we listen to its noisy cheers
   Or hear the populace’ approval, then
We catch no more the music of the spheres,
   Or walk with gods, and angels, but with men.
Till, impotent from our self‑conscious fears,
The plaudits of the world turn into sneers.

< < < Winter Rain
Life > > >

American Literature – American Poetry – Ella Wheeler Wilcox – Poems by Ella Wheeler Wilcox – Maurine and Other Poems

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Maurine and Other Poems

Applause

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