University of Virginia Library


27

[Facts bear analysis and tabulation]

Facts bear analysis and tabulation,
And truth is found by ratiocination.
Reality's our element; we make
Sure way; and into our possession take
New facts, acquired by conquering Intellect.
All facts are precious; none should we neglect.
Agreed. Nor count less precious than the rest
Love, Poesy, and Conscience,—though they be
Imponderable, nay, a deal too fine
For chemic or for mathematic test.
Into the sea of truth, the mighty sea,
How far as yet goes man's best plummet-line?