Great were his fate who on the earth should linger, Sleep for an age and stir himself again, Watching thy terrible and fiery finger Shrivel the falsehood from the souls of men. Oh that thy steps among the stars would quicken! Oh that thine ears would hear when we are dumb! Many the hearts from which the hope shall sicken, Many shall faint before thy kingdom come. Lo for the dawn, (and wherefore wouldst thou screen it?) Lo with what eyes, how eager and alone, Seers for the sight have spent themselves, nor seen it, Kings for the knowledge, and they have not known. |