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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET: FATE, OR GOD? by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE

Poet Analysis

First Line: BEYOND THE RECORD OF ALL ELDEST THINGS
Last Line: WHILE FAITH, WITH LOWLIEST REVERENCE, WHISPERS -- GOD!
Subject(s): FAITH; BELIEF; CREED;

BEYOND the record of all eldest things,
Beyond the rule and regions of past time,
From out Antiquity's hoary-headed rime,
Looms the dread phantom of a King of kings:
Round His vast brows the glittering circlet clings
Of a thrice royal crown; behind Him climb,
O'er Atlantean limbs and breast sublime
The sombre splendors of mysterious wings;
Deep clams of measureless power, in awful state,
Gird and uphold Him; a miraculous rod,
To heal or smite, arms His infallible hands:
Known in all ages, worshipped in all lands,
Doubt names this half-embodied mystery -- Fate,
While Faith, with lowliest reverence, whispers -- God!



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