Page:The Dream of Pythagoras and Other Poems.djvu/23



Thou who dost write Thy name

In rapture's tears upon the rainbow's arch;

And trace it on the mountains with a swift

And eloquent lightning pen; and on the flowers

With pencil dipp'd in honey and the dye

Of morning's ruddy cheek and golden hair;

And on the eyes of childhood with sunbeams;

And on the wings of glorious butterfly

With powdery gems and gold;

On angels' foreheads with the flaming plume

Of intellect's white wing, dipp'd in the fire

Of inspiration; on the martyr's brow

With blood; and on the cataracts in heaps

Of thunder visible; and on clouds of storm

In rapturous blackness; and on morning's eyes

With fading stars; and on the hearts of saints

In Thy own beautiful image crimson-traced

As by a pierced hand:

O Thou whose poetry and love in one,

Walk forth where'er Thou art, and hand in hand

Encircle heaven and earth, Thou above praise!

Exalted infinitely; O great GOD!

Hear me, and make me a pure golden harp

For Thy soft finger. Might I be Thy bird,

Hidden from all, singing to Thee alone.