Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ABRAHAM AND HIS GODS, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ABRAHAM AND HIS GODS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Beneath the full-eyed syrian moon
Last Line: By angels and by men adored.
Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord
Subject(s): Abraham; Islam; Jews; Judaism


BENEATH the full-eyed Syrian moon,
The Patriarch, lost in reverence, raised
His consecrated head, and soon
He knelt, and worshipped while he gazed:
"Surely that glorious Orb on high
Must be the Lord of earth and sky!"

Slowly towards its central throne
The glory rose, yet paused not there,
But seemed by influence not its own
Drawn downwards through the western air,
Until it wholly sunk away,
And the soft Stars had all the sway.

Then to that hierarchy of light,
With face upturned the sage remained, --
"At least Ye stand for ever bright, --
Your power has never waxed or waned!"
Even while he spoke, their work was done,
Drowned in the overflowing Sun.

Eastward he bent his eager eyes --
"Creatures of Night! false Gods and frail!
Take not the worship of the wise,
There is the Deity we hail;
Fountain of light, and warmth, and love,
He only bears our hearts above."

Yet was that One -- that radiant One,
Who seemed so absolute a King,
Only ordained his round to run,
And pass like each created thing;
He rested not in noonday prime,
But fell beneath the strength of time.

Then like one labouring without hope
To bring his toil to fruitful end,
And powerless to discern the scope
Whereto his aspirations tend,
Still Abraham prayed by night and day --
"God! teach me to what God to pray!"

Nor long in vain; an inward Light
Arose to which the Sun is pale,
The knowledge of the Infinite,
The sense of Truth that must prevail; --
The presence of the only Lord
By angels and by men adored.





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