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University of Virginia Library

Blackberries

by William Allingham

Allingham, William (1824-1889)

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[The Theologian, propping faith with lies]

[By miracles these, and by mechanics those]

[Knowledge, exact and measurable, this]

Artist v. Scientist.

[Divide, combine, search, sift, and pry]

[Some have spent their money in seeking Philosopher's Stone]

[How man's high thoughts and aspirations came]

[God's banish'd from the Universe, they say]

[You may sketch the world of what shape you please]

[“Man's tongue can utter everything:” O fool!]

[The eyes of Modern Science do not grow]

[What can you tell us of Life? you live in the Cavern of Death.]

[Men try all fashions; “God made Man,”]

[“‘God’ is a foolish name. MAN, whom I worship, is true.]

[“I don't believe in either God or Man.]

[This World has no moral or meaning: the kaleidoscope of Man's Mind]

[“Man's a machine.” Well, if we ever can]

[Less virtuous than they might and ought to be]

[The Age of Poetry is gone]

[How Man is like to Ape we have now heard enough and to spare]

[What if “Nature” be so finely wrought]

[Facts bear analysis and tabulation]

To a Famous Man.

[Well, God in mind of man once held at least]

[“I look for God, no God can see.”]

[Adventurous Spirit, trying every road]

[Army of Science! ever marching]

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29

[Army of Science! ever marching]

Army of Science! ever marching,
All the roads of nature searching,
Conquering ignorance, knowledge winning,
Every end a new beginning,
Fearless and unselfish fighters,
Dragon-tamers, python-smiters,
Deadlier minimi pursuing
In their ambush out of viewing,
Ev'n the subtle realm of ether
Not beyond you altogether,—
Stop! Behold a sacred border
Which you pass not: else disorder
Falls upon your troops, and madness.
See to it, leaders. But, with gladness,
Simple souls walk freely there
And breathe on earth celestial air.