Canto III.]
Orion.
29
Things back again to shadows—thus evolving
The principle of thought, from root to air.
The principle of thought, from root to air.
This done, the blossom and the fruit of all
Was her prime truth, into each element
Of his life's feelings and its acts, to instil:
'T was Love's divinest essence. In the soul,
Central its altar's flame for ever burns
Inviolate, and knowing not the change
Which time and fate o'er all else in the world
Bring speedily, or with a creeping film
That hides decay. Ever at peace it dwells
With its secure desires, which are soul-fed,
Nor on idolatrous devotion made
Dependent, nor on will and wayward moods
Of others; 't is self-centred as a star,
And in the music of the conscious nerves,
Finds bliss, which e'en the slightest touch or look
Of this magnetic passion can create,
And render perfect. Nor doth absence break
The links of ecstasy, which from a heart
By heart are drawn, but 'midst the glare of day,
The depths of night, alone or in a crowd,
Imagination of love's balmy breath
Was her prime truth, into each element
Of his life's feelings and its acts, to instil:
'T was Love's divinest essence. In the soul,
Central its altar's flame for ever burns
Inviolate, and knowing not the change
Which time and fate o'er all else in the world
Bring speedily, or with a creeping film
That hides decay. Ever at peace it dwells
With its secure desires, which are soul-fed,
Nor on idolatrous devotion made
Dependent, nor on will and wayward moods
Of others; 't is self-centred as a star,
And in the music of the conscious nerves,
Finds bliss, which e'en the slightest touch or look
Of this magnetic passion can create,
And render perfect. Nor doth absence break
The links of ecstasy, which from a heart
By heart are drawn, but 'midst the glare of day,
The depths of night, alone or in a crowd,
Imagination of love's balmy breath
