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TABLE MOUNTAIN.

Table Mountain, which I daily scan With still increasing joy, this morn was framed In a low rainbow Phœbus rightly aimed Just to include the outline in its span. And surely never since the world began Was Nature's ruggedness more sweetly tamed. Yet through my heart a sudden terror flamed; Heaven's smile more dread inspires than earthly ban. Such is the alchemy of sun and rain: Touching earth's choicest dream of loveliness, It turned life's daily pleasure into awe. And, pray, what meant it? Nay, I cannot guess: But all that is within me,—soul, heart, brain,— Was dumbly glorified by what I saw. F. C. Kolbe.