XLI
AGNUS DEI
Both the emissary and the imputation are in one sense
the symbolical embroideries of pontifical vestments.
Presages
On common auguries and omens long
Has man in legend dwelt, in tale and song,
And under thin disguise they hold him still;
But to the body and its varied need
His signs and presages alone give heed,
Leaving those deeper symbols all unread
Which say: The soul is sick, the soul is dead,
The soul is menaced by surpassing ill.
Fear not malignant stars which may control
The outward fortunes; fear those stars within
Which on the wide horizon of the soul
With baleful rays illume the night of sin.
But that dread most which lets our evil plight
Restrain the clamour after all God's light;
Whate'er I am, whatever yet may be,
Master of all, I keep the quest of Thee.
Save me from these old stains I care not how;
Then one thing more I need—but that is Thou!
The purpose of life is that of emancipating stars. It is
we who condone substitutes and accept approximations for
realities.
