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186
VI.ON THE AUTHORITY OF ANTIQUITY.
Catholic Chapel, Christmas Day, 1850.
Why should the past loom out so fair and grand,
And the most ancient most demand our love?
Oh that we could with even balance stand
Between the past and future: like the dove
We could between the wastes of clouds and waves
Gather the olive leaves and turn again
Unto the home assigned to him who saves
The salt of this life. That supernal strain
Which sounded when the green-leaved world was young,
Sounds still when the great petals ruby red
Expand, and still will sound, though still unsung
By poet-sage in years to come: the dread
Soul-giving voice of God that spoke of old,
Speaks still, and he who hears is crowned with gold.
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