Page:The ascent of man by Blind, Mathilde.djvu/40


 * Yet grievous here below
 * And manifold Man's woe;

Though he can stay the flood and bind the waters,
 * His hand he shall not stay
 * That bids him sack and slay

And turn the waving fields to fields of slaughters; And, as he reaps War's harvest grim and gory. Commits a thousand crimes and calls it glory.


 * Vast empires fall and rise,
 * As when in sunset skies

The monumental clouds lift flashing towers
 * With turrets, spires, and bars
 * Lit by confederate stars

Till the bright rack dissolves in flying showers: Kingdoms on kingdoms have their fleeting day, Dazzle the conquered world, and pass away.


 * In golden Morning lands
 * The blazing crowns change hands,

From mystic Ind to fleshly Babylon,