Page:The ascent of man by Blind, Mathilde.djvu/49


 * And the world, once full of flower-hung shrines,

Now forsakes old altars for the new,
 * Zeus grows faint and Venus' star declines

As Jehovah glorifies the Jew,
 * He whom—lit with awe—
 * God-led Moses saw,
 * Graving with firm hand
 * In his people's heart his Lord's command.


 * Holding Hells and Heavens in either hand

Comes the priest and comes the wild-eyed prophet,
 * Tells the people of some happier land,

Terrifies them with a burning Tophet;
 * Gives them creeds for bread
 * And warm roof o'erhead,
 * Gives for life's delight
 * Passports to the kingdom, spirit-bright.


 * And the people groaning everywhere

Hearken gladly to the wondrous story,