Page:The Atlantic Monthly Volume 9.pdf/80

1862.] Per

1862.]

Tenebras, Lamina.

69

In far meridian pride,

the Twins Build, side by side, their luminous thrones; And Sirius and Procyon pour

A

splendor

that the day disowns.

And stately Leo, undismayed, With ﬁery footstep tracks the Sun, To plunge adown the western blaze, Sublimely lost in glories won.

I know, if I were

called to keep Pale morning watch with Grief and Pain, Mine eyes should see their gathering might Rise grandly through the gloom again.

And In

when the

Winter

Solstice holds

his diminished path the Sun,

When hope, and growth, and joy are o’er, And all our harvesting is done,— When, stricken, like our mortal Life, Darkened and chill, the Year lays down The summer beauty that she wore, Her summer stars of Harp and Crown,

Thick trooping with their

golden tread They come, as nightfall ﬁlls the sky, Those strong and solemn sentinels, To hold their mightier watch on high.

Ah, who shall shrink from dark and cold, Or fear the sad and shortening days, Since God doth only so unfold The wider glory to his gaze ? Since loyal Truth, and holy Trust, And kingly Strength defying Pain, Stern Courage, and sure Brotherhood Are born from out the depths again Dear Country of our love and pride So is thy stormy winter given ! So, through

?

!

the terrors that betide,

Look up, and hail thy kindling heaven!