 | Poems of Paul Hamilton Hayne |  |
V.
CARLYLE.
O granite nature; like a mountain heightWhich pierces heaven! yet with foundations deep,
Rooted where earth's majestic forces sleep,
In quiet breathing on the breast of night:—
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Of loftiest grasp, and calm Elysian sweep;
Fierce thoughts were his that burnt the donjon keep
Of ancient wrong, to flood its crypts with light:
Yet o'er his genius, firm as Ailsa's rock,
Large, Atlantean, with grim grandeur dowered,—
Love bloomed, and buds of tender beauty flowered:—
Yet down his rugged massiveness of will
Unscarred by alien passion's fiery shock,
Mercy flowed melting like an Alpine rill!
| Poems of Paul Hamilton Hayne | |