University of Virginia Library


184

IV.LIFE WITHOUT FAITH.

Most fearfully and wondrously we're made;
In fear and in the dark we strive to live
By sight, and in new confidence arrayed
Cry we to Nature, stay! to Fate, give, give!
Still loitering towards to-morrow, when to-day
Fails to bring forth from its too numerous toils
And manifold emotions, those great spoils
Wherewith to build a tower of strength and stay,
Reaching to heaven. Alas, we only find
To-morrow like to-day; the impending sky
Silent and blue, silent and dark and high,
The only changes, passing clouds and wind.
And round about us, blackening upwards, slopes
Accumulation vast of unproductive hopes!