Thoreau’s “Sympathy” and “Aulus Persius Flaccus” appear in the first issue of the Dial (The Dial (1961), 1:71-2, 117-21).
Thoreau writes in his journal:
The true poem is not that which the public read. There is always a poem not printed on paper, coincident with the production of this, which is stereotyped in the poet’s life, is what be has become through his work. Some symbol of value may shape itself to the senses in wood, or marble, or verse, but this is fluctuating as the laborer’s hire, which may or may not be withheld. His very material is not material but supernatural. Perhaps the hugest and most effective deed may have no sensible result at all on earth, but paint itself in heavens in new stars and constellations. Its very material lies out of nature. When, in rare moments, we strive wholly with one consent, which we call a yearning, we may not hope that our work will stand in airy artist’s gallery. That his true work will stand in any prince’s gallery.
