University of Virginia Library

Scene VI.—Gate of the Temple of Jerusalem.

Ptolemy, with a squadron of Thessalian Horse, which passes on.
Ptol.
Till he returns, this fig-tree be my shade!
[Alone.
He's right, and yet he's wrong, you kingly builder.
That kingdom which he spake of—one o'er earth—
Would prove a god-like work indeed if built
Upon the good alone within man's breast,
If on its ill, then ill were lord of all,
Since in all lands the ill-workers would be one,
Weakened till now by realms and states at variance.
But what shall sever 'twixt man's good and ill?
Not power, it works with each by turn; not law,
Law deals but with man's actions, not his heart;
Not science, science rules but worlds of thought;
Not art, 'tis a child's warble; not religion,
Men fear the gods, but serve not less their lusts:
The things without us are but casual to us:
The things within us share our human taint.
On something deeper in us than self-love,
He who would lift mankind must build. That something
No child of man has found, or e'er can find:—
Therefore, like isle from sunless waters raised
And fix'd where nothing was, that Power who made us,
Who knows alone our spirit's depths, and sees
Alone the eddies of the restless waters,
Must raise some under realm, all adamant,
There build—if he will build. Shall that be ever?
I know not. He who made the world is strong:
Yet miracle were that passing the dream
Of prophet, priest, or bard. 'Tis still the old round:
Realm wars on realm lest wrong should meet no scourge.
This youth must plan; and pass.