University of Virginia Library

ST. LUKE'S HELLENIC CHARACTER

20
Methought I saw one pass, son of the race

Methought I saw one pass, son of the race
Wherein the splendid mediate we seek
Betwixt the West and Asia, a quick Greek
Hellenic, out of Antioch. I could trace
Moods ever flitting o'er his mobile face.
Pathetic was his voice, and seemed to break
With pity for the hearts of those who ache.
He look'd for beauty in some lovely place,
Perfect but unattainable. His glance
Had something piercing various natures through
Down to the deep foundations of our life,
Yet seeking in heav'n an unimagined blue;
And round about our vile and vulgar strife,
Beauty and charm, the magic and romance.

21
BEARING ON HIS GOSPEL

So when he turned Evangelist, see what came,—
Writ on his page were stories, with sweet tears
Baptized by all the yearnings of the years.
The King looks forth from beauty, not from flame;
The earth grows prouder and puts off her shame
With loftier companionship than appears
In Fauns and Dryads when the wanderer nears,
And the idyllic earth is not the same.
Still by the Grecian taught each age surveys
Things fairer than are song's creations all,
Yet in historic verity strongly set
The symphony of Bethlehem's pastoral,
The broken litanies, the men who gaze
On the ascending Form from Olivet.