University of Virginia Library

If a spirit of the place
Broke the silence, bade me question, promised answer,—what disgrace
Did I stipulate “Provided answer suit my hopes, not fears!”
Would I shrink to learn my life-time's limit—days, weeks, months or years?
Would I shirk assurance on each point whereat I can but guess—
“Does the soul survive the body? Is there God's self, no or yes?”
If I know my mood, 't were constant—come in whatsoe'er uncouth
Shape it should, nay, formidable—so the answer were but truth.