SUB ROSA CRUX.
115
| Could keep him wise and pure for aye, |
| Apart from all that might distract or soil; |
| With this their lamps they fed, |
| Which burn in their sepulchral shrines, |
| Unfading night and day. |
| ‘The pass-word now is lost |
| To that initiation full and free; |
| Daily we pay the cost |
| Of our slow schooling for divine degree, |
| We know no means to feed an undying lamp, |
| Our lights go out in every wind and damp. |
| ‘We wear the cross of Ebony and Gold, |
| Upon a dark back-ground a form of light, |
| A heavenly hope within a bosom cold, |
| A starry promise in a frequent night; |
| And oft the dying lamp must trim again, |
| For we are couscious, thoughtful, striving men. |
| ‘Yet be we faithful to this present trust, |
| Clasp to a heart resigned this faithful Must; |
| Though deepest dark our efforts should enfold, |
| Unwearied mine to find the vein of gold; |
| Forget not oft to waft the prayer on high; — |
| The rosy dawn again shall fill the sky. |
| ‘And by that lovely light all truth revealed, — |
| The cherished forms, which sad distrust concealed, |
| Transfigured, yet the same, will round us stand, |
| The kindred angels of a faithful band; |
| Ruby and ebon cross then cast aside, |
| No lamp more needed, for the night has died. |
| ‘“Be to the best thou knowest ever true,” |
| Is all the creed. |
| Then be thy talisman of rosy hue, |
| Or fenced with thorns, that wearing, thou must bleed, |
| Or, gentle pledge of love’s prophetic view, |
| The faithful steps it will securely lead. |
