"To Archiater Linnæus" in Journey to Västergötland (1747)
Bust of Linnaeus in Uppsala
University Botanical Garden
Photo: Ragnar Insulander
Our Sweden now too can boast Of great Geniuses and learned Men, She would not exchange them for others’. The world of learning still grieves Our Celsius; and we tremble in fear Already for Polheim’s white hair; Our wishes aspire to the ages, That predict for us such a sorry plight. In these and more Swedish Wise Men We have had more than copies: The whole world knows their value In inventive talent and power of thought: Linnæus ekes out this number: A science with darkness besot With sweat and toil he enlightens; How can he in Sweden be forgot? When the sound of His worthy name Doth learned Societies grace, Acclaim and wonder do now The envy of foreigners replace. He who in the realm of flowers Wishes to go far and powerful be, And, like Linnaeus, never his equal In this wide arena see, Must first from him learn the path, Now both broad and well prepared. The Frenchman now is honoured, To be directed by this Swede. What he has discovered, seen and found with care, attempts with sense and skill, Have won the acclaim of every wise man, And are taught in their every lecture. Arise, and hasten, Sweden’s brightest! To a noble challenge be spurred, Without envy Linnaeus honour, Lest his voice alone be heard!