No burst of lustrous flame surprises

As with mild warmth and lambent light

It gently from the altar rises.

More vivid fires gild yonder shrine,

More heat and radiance round them casting,

But trust me, Youth, though bright they shine,

Their rage is fierce, their power is blasting.

Ah! pilgrim, shun the fatal blaze,

Thy forward steps forbear to number;

The blaze which on my altar plays