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148

[VIII. I mark beneath thy life the virtue shine]

I mark beneath thy life the virtue shine
That deep within the star's eye opes its day;
I clutch those gorgeous thoughts thou throw'st away,
From the profound unfathomable mine,
And with them this mean, common hour do twine,
As glassy waters o'er the dry beach play,
And I were rich as night, them to combine
With my poor store, and warm me with thy ray.
From the fixed answer of those dateless eyes
I meet bold hints of spirit's mystery
As to what's past, and hungry prophecies
Of deeds to-day, and things which are to be;
Of lofty life that with the eagle flies,
And lowly love, that clasps humanity.