Days and Hours :: :: University of Virginia Library

There were some thoughts which made the new-born Time
Stretch forth its arms unto the Infinite,
And mighty Nature in her godlike prime
From this poor Earth climb to the gates of Light!

II

When the first Prophet in his cavern shade
Heard the great voices of Futurity
Knoll like far thunders, and was not afraid—
And Cycles rolling like the tide o' the Sea!

III

When the first Lawgiver in the Holy Land
Came forth from cloud and fire with awful eye,
And show'd the Tablets written with God's hand
To that astonish'd Host at Sinai!

302

IV

When the first Poet in a blessed clime
Saw Heaven unfold, and spirits earthward borne,
And in the pauses of his voice sublime
Heard Glory streaming like the winds at morn!

V

When the first Orator with armed soul
Stood like a present God of human minds,
And saw the passions of a People roll
Beneath him, like a sea before the winds!

VI

When the first Patriot clothed in dust and blood
Rode by the walls of his own native town,
And look'd upon the citizens, as they stood
Thundering his name, and flinging garlands down!

VII

But Thou shalt be more glorious than all these
Who shalt subdue Despair by any art,
Whose hand shall cope the pyramid of Peace,
And heal again sad Nature's broken heart;

303

VIII

Shalt make Man walk, as if his God were near,
Stirr'd in the winds, and lighten'd in the sky;
And pale Guilt trembling with a sudden fear
Whisper unto his fellow—He is by!

IX

Shalt lead Truth to her throne without the might
Of steel to force, or music to persuade,
Show Beauty changed into her acolyte,
And all the Muses at her footstool laid:

X

Teach Pride to weep—teach Sorrow spells of cheer—
Teach all to feel a portion of that zeal
Ray'd from the Lamp upheld by Love and Fear,
Which Prophets felt, which raptured Poets feel!

IX

Thou who shalt make unarmed Love to wield
The World's wide Empire, King without a throne,
Stronger than Death to vanquish, or to shield,
A silent Presence crown'd with Light alone!