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6 Tomb'd in hoar wonder of the pyramids. At thy most holy source, primæval Nile! The Greek drank wisdom; yea, in solemn halls Of Memphis, in columnar stone forests Of mighty Karnac, rich with hieroglyph, And pictured symbol and weird shapes of Gods. Only the solar beam, the Obelisk, Now from green palms and verdure and pure rills, As then from sacred fountains of the Sun, In olden time, in Heliopolis, Still points with mystic granite flame to Heaven! This mighty gnomon of a sun-dial Moved then a shadow, lengthening among signs Upon a porphyry or a brazen floor, Among blithe forms of Pharaonic time; Now o'er young corn and red anemone! There came Pythagoras to learn the lore Of stars, and suns, and gods, and human souls; There Moses mused, well-nourish'd on rich stores Of priests and sages; communing with truth, And in his spirit sifting dust from gold. Only this one most ancient monument