 | Stones from The Quarry |  |
86
THE HEALING ART.
Our cunning leeches, with prescriptive skill,Life's stronghold guard against Death's fell array,
With herbs medicinal, whose virtues may
Each gate of sense secure, and sústain still
The vital forces and self-centred will;
Simples of field and wood which th' operant ray
Of sun and moon make sovereign 'gainst decay
Of nature, and elixirs fine distil.
Iron to fill the veins, and paint the rose
On Beauty's cheek anew, or light the eye
Of Love and Genius; henbane, which grows
On Lethe's edge; the liquid subtlety
Of silver, cause and cure of aches and woes—
Spells to make grim Death rise, or pause, or fly.
| Stones from The Quarry | |