Page:The Dream of Pythagoras and Other Poems.djvu/36

 Of thunders at my heels, and lit up heaven,

And earth, and sea, with one quick lamp, and crown'd

The mountains with a momentary gold.

Then cover'd them with blackness. Then I glanced

Upon the mighty city in her sleep,

Pierced all her mysteries with one swift look,

Then bade my thunders shout. The city trembled;

And, charm'd with the sublime outcry, I paus'd

And listen'd. Yet had I to rise and learn

A loftier lesson. I was lifted high

Into the heavens, and there became a star,

And on my new-form'd orb two angels sat.

The one thus spoke: ^ spirit, young and pure!

Say, wilt thou be my shrine? I am of old.

The first of all things, and of all the greatest;

I am the Sovereign Majesty to whom

The universe is given; though for awhile

I war with rebels strong; my name is Truth.

I am the Spirit of wisdom, love, and power,

And come to claim thee; and if thou obey

My guiding, I will give thee thy desire,

Even eternal life.' He ceas'd, and then

The second angel spoke. ' Ask not, soul!

My name; I bid thee free thyself, and know