Levi Lincoln Thaxter

Poet Lore , vol. i., p. 598 (1889), states that Mr. Browning wrote an inscription for the grave of Levi Lincoln Thaxter, a well known American Browning reader, on the Maine sea-coast. The inscription runs thus:—“Levi Lincoln Thaxter. Born in Water town, Ma achusetts, Feb. 1st, 1824. Died May 31st, 1884. “Thou, whom these eyes saw never! Say friends true Who say my soul, helped onward by my song, Though all unwittingly, has helped thee too? I gave of but the little that I knew; How were the gift requited, while along Life’s path I pace, couldst thou make weakne strong! Help me with knowledge—for Life’s Old——Death’s New!” R. B. to L. L. T., April 1885 .