We may revel in the light of each grand invention,
We may bless the mind that caught
Inspiration from a thought,
To perceive earth's mighty forces move, or hold them in suspension;
But instinctively away from their master-truths we turn,
Of the reason that revolved,
The great problem that it solved,
All too often to the victor's lifelong injury, to learn,
And the records as before tell us that the donor
Of the priceless dower we prize,
'Neath the frozen marble lies,
Undisturbed by calumny, eulogy or honor.
We may bless the mind that caught
Inspiration from a thought,
To perceive earth's mighty forces move, or hold them in suspension;
But instinctively away from their master-truths we turn,
Of the reason that revolved,
The great problem that it solved,
All too often to the victor's lifelong injury, to learn,
And the records as before tell us that the donor
Of the priceless dower we prize,
'Neath the frozen marble lies,
Undisturbed by calumny, eulogy or honor.
We may read the poet's lay, strong in truth yet tender,
Waking echoes in our hearts
'Till the silent teardrop starts,
With a sympathy responding to its feeling, thought and splendor;
But when from its fountain bright we have quaffed, to quickly turn,
Of the spirit and the mind,
That their image left behind,
Clear reflected in the light of its crystal depths, to learn,
Oft, that same weird taper-light o'er our senses flashes;
Long the pen hath idle lain,
God hath spoken yet again,
Earth to earth and dust to dust, ashes unto ashes.
Waking echoes in our hearts
'Till the silent teardrop starts,
With a sympathy responding to its feeling, thought and splendor;
But when from its fountain bright we have quaffed, to quickly turn,
Of the spirit and the mind,
That their image left behind,
Clear reflected in the light of its crystal depths, to learn,
Oft, that same weird taper-light o'er our senses flashes;
Long the pen hath idle lain,
God hath spoken yet again,
Earth to earth and dust to dust, ashes unto ashes.
Poor humanity were they, blossoming and blighting,
Living out their little day,
Clearing barriers from our way,
Kindling beacons that to-day are our century lighting.
Living out their little day,
Clearing barriers from our way,
Kindling beacons that to-day are our century lighting.
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