As if it were of ice the moon may gild

Not melt, or stone 't was meant the sun should warm

Not make bear flowers,—nor ice nor stone to blame:

But it can melt, that ice, can bloom, that stone,

Impassible to rule of day and night!

This terrifies me, thus compelled perceive,

Whatever love and faith we looked should spring

At advent of the authoritative star,

Which yet lie sluggish, curdled at the source,—

These have leapt forth profusely in old time,