| The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere | ||
155
XLIV. TRUTH.
Centre of Earth; keystone of Heaven's great dome!In thee the world's vast arches rest suspended:
Within thy zodiac's belt round all extended
The orb of Knowledge evermore doth roam:
Thou art the lamp and hearth of each man's home—
How many wondrous powers in thee are blended!
By thee we live; by thee from death defended
We find a second cradle in the tomb.
In thee all good things breathe, without thee die:
Strength, Justice, Loyalty, Truth's noble thrall,
Song, Science, all the Loves; yea most of all,
Though deemed too oft thy rival, Charity,
Whose golden arrows swift as sunbeams fly,
And scatter seeds of life where'er they fall!
| The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere | ||