I.
WHEN mighty passions, surging, heave the depth of life's great ocean—
When the people sway, like forest trees, to and fro in wild commotion—
When the world-old kingdoms, rent and riven, quiver in their place,
As the human central fire is upheaving at their base,
And throbbing hearts, and flashing eyes, speak a language deep and cryptic;
Yet he who runs may read aright these signs apocalyptic:
Then rise, ye crownéd Elohim[1]—rise trembling from your thrones;
Soon shall cease the eternal rhythm betwixt them and human groans.