 | Poems by James Rhoades |  |
120
VI.
[Lift high the torch of Science; let it wave!]
Lift high the torch of Science; let it wave!Search out the coming and the going wind;
Read ye the secrets of the eternal Mind,
And go forget the eternal heart that gave!
Ev'n now men sow and reap, and thank not God;
“Earth and her cloud obey but natural laws—
What need of thanks?—Effect but follows cause,
And suns must shine upon the moisten'd sod.”
Ah! not for these the song of the wild lark,
And worship, and the worth of all that is!
But, God, thou knowest in Love is our best bliss,
In Knowledge not, albeit a heavenly spark.
Give Light and Love—else, if they will not this,
Put out their candle, God, and leave them dark.
| Poems by James Rhoades | |