But if the poet cannot predict the time of his afflatus, he indicates that he does know the attitude of mind which will induce it. In certain quarters there is a truly Biblical reliance upon faith as bringer of the gift. A minor writer assures us, "Ah, if we trust, comes the song!" [Footnote: Richard Burton, _Singing Faith_.] Emerson says, The muses' hill by fear is guarded; A bolder foot is still rewarded. [Footnote: _The Poet_.] And more extreme is the counsel of Owen Meredith to the aspiring artist: The genius on thy daily walks Shall meet, and take thee by the hand; But serve him not as who obeys; He is thy slave if thou command. [Footnote: _The Artist_.] The average artist is probably inclined to quarrel with this last high-handed treatment of the muse. Reverent humility rather than arrogance characterizes the most effectual appeals for inspiration. The faith of the typical poet is not the result of boldness, but of an aspiration so intense that it entails forgetfulness of self. Thus one poet accounts for his inspired hour: Purged with high thoughts and infinite desire I entered fearless the most holy place; Received between my lips the sacred fire, The breath of inspiration on my face. [Footnote: C. G. Roberts, _Ave_.] Another writer stresses the efficacy of longing no less strongly; speaking of The unsatiated, insatiable desire Which at once mocks and makes all poesy. [Footnote: William Alexander, _The Finding of the Book_. See also Edward Dowden, _The Artist's Waiting_.] There is nothing new in this. It is only what the poet has implied in all his confessions. Was he inspired by love? It was because thwarted love filled him with intensest longing. So with his thirst for purity, for religion, for worldly vanities. Any desire, be it fierce enough, and hindered from immediate satisfaction, may engender poetry. As Joyce Kilmer phrases it, Nothing keeps a poet In his high singing mood, Like unappeasable hunger For unattainable food. [Footnote: _Apology_.] But the poet would not have us imagine that we have here sounded the depths of the mystery. Aspiration may call down inspiration, but it is not synonymous with it. Mrs. Browning is fond of pointing out this distinction. In _Aurora Leigh_ she reminds us, "Many a fervid man writes books as cold and flat as gravestones." In the same poem she indicates that desire is merely preliminary to inspiration. There are, she says, Two states of the recipient artist-soul; One forward, personal, wanting reverence, Because aspiring only. We'll be calm, And know that when indeed our Joves come down, We all turn stiller than we have ever been.