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 Through the night when hirelings rest, Sleepless they arise, alone, The unsleeping arch to test And the o'er-trusted corner-stone, 'Gainst the need, they know, that lies Hid behind the centuries.

Not by lust of praise or show Not by Peace herself betrayed— Peace herself must they forego Till that peace be fitly made; And in single strength uphold Wearier hands and hearts acold.

On the stage their act hath framed For thy sports, O Liberty! Doubted are they and defamed By the tongues their act set free, While they quicken, tend, and raise Power that must their power displace.

Lesser men feign greater goals, Failing whereof they may sit Scholarly to judge the souls That go down into the pit, And, despite its certain clay, Heave a new world towards the day.

These at labour make no sign, More than planets, tides or years Which discover God's design, 27