Page:Preludes, Meynell, 1875.djvu/47

 BUILDERS OF RUINS.

build with strength the deep tower-wall

That shall be shattered thus and thus.

And fair and great are court and hall,

But how fair—this is not for us,

Who dimly feel the want of all.

We know, we know how all too bright

All hues of ours though dimmed through tears,

And how the marble gleams too white;—

We speak in unknown tongues, the years

Interpret everything aright,

And crown with weeds our pride of towers,

And warm our marble through with sun,

And break our pavements through with flowers,

With an Amen when all is done,

Knowing these perfect things of ours.