Scientific poetry: The old astronomer to his pupil, by Sarah Williams

As far as I can remember I love poetry but since I studied physics, I have been very interested in the science and poetry combination. Is this concept possible? Well, yes. The great advances of science during the XIX century till today, have been accompanied by the development of a new kind of poetry: the scientific poetry whose rooths belong to the Roman time.

The following quote is often attributed to Galileo in social nets:

I have loved the stars too truly to be fearful of the night.

However it seems to belong not to the Italian physicist but to the poem The old astronomer to his pupil, written in 1868 by the English poet and novelist Sarah Williams.

Here is the poem (and if you look for it in Spanish, please see this article in the Spanish version of this blog):

Reach me down my Tycho Brahé,—I would know him when we meet,

when I share my later science, sitting humbly at his feet;

he may know the law of all things, yet be ignorant of how

we are working to completion, working on from then till now.

Pray, remember, that I leave you all my theory complete,

lacking only certain data, for your adding, as is meet;

and remember, men will scorn it, ’tis original and true,

and the obloquy of newness may fall bitterly on you.

But, my pupil, as my pupil you have learnt the worth of scorn;

you have laughed with me at pity, we have joyed to be forlorn;

what, for us, are all distractions of men's fellowship and smiles?

What, for us, the goddess pleasure, with her meretricious wiles?

You may tell that German College that their honour comes too late.

But they must not waste repentance on the grizzly savant's fate;

though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light;

I have loved the stars too truly to be fearful of the night.

What, my boy, you are not weeping? You should save your eyes for sight;

you will need them, mine observer, yet for many another night.

I leave none but you, my pupil, unto whom my plans are known.

You “have none but me,” you murmur, and I “leave you quite alone”?

Well then, kiss me,—since my mother left her blessing on my brow,

there has been a something wanting in my nature until now;

I can dimly comprehend it,—that I might have been more kind,

might have cherished you more wisely, as the one I leave behind.

I “have never failed in kindness”? No, we lived too high for strife,—

calmest coldness was the error which has crept into our life;

but your spirit is untainted, I can dedicate you still

to the service of our science: you will further it? you will!

There are certain calculations I should like to make with you,

to be sure that your deductions will be logical and true;

and remember, “Patience, Patience,” is the watchword of a sage,

not to-day nor yet to-morrow can complete a perfect age.

I have sown, like Tycho Brahé, that a greater man may reap;

But if none should do my reaping, ’twill disturb me in my sleep.

So be careful and be faithful, though, like me, you leave no name;

see, my boy, that nothing turn you to the mere pursuit of fame.

I must say Good-bye, my pupil, for I cannot longer speak;

draw the curtain back for Venus, ere my vision grows too weak:

It is strange the pearly planet should look red as fiery Mars,—

God will mercifully guide me on my way amongst the stars.