Page:Orion, an epic poem - Horne (1843, 3rd edition).djvu/129

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Orion.
123
Given off, and changed for new;—so shall the deeds
Of virtuous power, in their appointed day,
Rise with due strength above the buried hand
That called them first to light. Know this, and hope:
The earth has hard rind, but a subtle heart.
Therefore amidst those shadows, by no form
Projected; which in secret regions flit,
Of future being, through unnumbered states,
Which are most truly the substantial dreams,
Nor less the aspirations most unearthly,
Of man; shadows oft hunted, never caught,
Yet traced beyond the grave; to thought well known;
Amidst these shadows stride not thou forlorn,
O Giant sublime, whom death shall not destroy.

'T was eve, and Time his vigorous course pursuing,
Met Akinetos walking by the sea.
At sight of him the Father of the Hours
Paused on the sand,—which shrank, grew moist, and trembled
At that unwonted pressure of the God.
And thus with look and accent stern, he spake.

"Thou art the mortal who, with hand unmoved,
Eatest the fruit of others' toil; whose heart