Of the devil's to quench knowledge, lest we walk the earth in rapture!

—Making those who catch God's secret, just so much more prize their capture!

VIII.

Such am I: the secret's mine now! She has lost me, I have gained her;

Her soul's mine: and thus, grown perfect, I shall pass my life's remainder.

Life will just hold out the proving both our powers, alone and blended:

And then, come next life quickly! This world's use will have been ended.

[LXVII.] THE LOST LEADER.

From Dramatic Lyrics; written in 1845.

I.