Thus the end shall crown the work, with grace, grace, unto the top-stone,

And the work shall triumph in its crown, with peace, peace, unto the builder.

I have written, as other some of old, in quaint and meaning phrase,

Of many things for either world, a crowd of facts and fancies:

And will ye judge me, men of mind?—judge in kindly calmness;

For bitter words of haste or hate have often been repented.

Deep dreaming upon surface reading; imagery crowded over argument;

Order less considered in the multitude of thoughts: this witnessing is just.

Scripture gave the holier themes, the well-turned words and wisdom;

While Fancy on her swallow's wing skimmed those deeper waters.