The Judgement of the Flood :: :: University of Virginia Library

And Noah, Priest, and Witness of the Truth,
Now looked abroad upon the mountain tops:
Morn had walked forth, and edged them with the trace
Of her auriferous footsteps; tinged the skies
With her own rose-tipped fingers; and the clouds
Kissed to the ripe hue of her coral lips,
The intense suffusion of her lustrous cheeks.
—What strife of love is on the orient hill,
Deep blush, and rival ardour of desire:
The enamoured breezes press to her embrace,
And thence return, with presents for the earth,
Pearls, soon exhaled; and perfume for all flowers—
Less wanton than the daughters of mankind,
Who welcome passion, though its breath be moist,
And tinctured with the dew of other lips,
Or, in demoniac pride, with demons mate.

But holier thoughts befit the Holy Morn,
That ushers in the day, the Omnific Word
Rested. Hail, loveliest of Time's daughters, hail:
How, like thy sisters, to men's use devote,
Frequent by satyr force defiled, though He
Thee consecrated, Virgin, to himself.

And Noah said unto his Sons,—
‘Arise
On this peculiar day right-early wake.
—Though men against her chastity rebel,
And mock the Sabbath on the couch of sin;
Shall We be tardy in our matin-song?
Let us go forth; and offer, on the Tomb
Of Adam, sacrifice with heart, and voice,
Prayer, and thanksgiving, and a contrite mind.
—Sons, I have seen a vision: God hath spoken,
And I will speak; so, haply, I may save
Earth from her doom, and Love, long-suffering Love,

Withdraw the vengeance from her verdant fields.
—Are they not dear to me? For them hath time
Not strengthened in my heart habitual ruth?
She is our first great Mother; such of all:
Out of her very substance are we made.
For her I feel a Son's solicitude;
And would not have her womb laid bare, and crushed,
While I behold it, without power to help.’