And out of stillier Deeps—unfathomed, shrouded than the tomb-hush came—
A Vision rose upon her stony, sad, beblinded eyes:—
A passioned Shrine, where smiling lay, in chastening flame,
The white child, Truth—a seraph winging, ’gainst its mighty Rise,
Past Pain and Evil, all fierce brood they bore;
While Justice in the holy fire saints her purging rod
For infinite Ruth: But ’bove them all, in state no other heaven wore,
Abounding Patience sat, in likeness of unutterable God!
ALPHA.
Primer than all the Ages,
One with the Evermore,
Key to Life’s sybil pages,
Prophet whose only lore,
Time, tho’ he muse the Writing—
Why so crabbed the cypher run,
Shall yet word to the heart’s inviting
Clear-copied than myriad Sun.
* * * * * * * *
Vaster than all relation,
Divine, tho’ mid Dark he grew,
Lest, paltering the fierce negation,
Unblest come the only True!
OMEGA.
The goal is ever; all things tend;
Faiths must waver; Love shall mend;
Never issue come to rest—
Earthen course, or starry span,
Will of God, or heart of man—
Pillowed not upon His breast.