In vain the alchemists have sought to learn The nature of a stone that can transmute All baser metals into gold and turn Their atoms' course -- a godly attribute. In ages hence humanity will yearn To find this subtle agent and salute The world as lords of mastodon and fern, Surcharged with power that is absolute. Far more effective than the ancient stone There is an alchemy that never fails To change the baser passions which we share Into the gold of faith, and thus atone For every sin the heart of man bewails: The all-transcendent alchemy of prayer. |