RUINS
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X.We had hopes that rose as proudly As each sculptured marble shrine;And our prophets spake as loudly As their oracles divine.Grand resolves of giant daring, Such as Titans breathed of old;Brilliant aims their front uprearing, Like a temple roofed with gold.
XI.Souls of fire, like columns pointing, Flamelike, upward to the skies;Glorious brows, which God's anointing Consecrated altar-wise.Stainless hearts, like temples olden, None but priest hath ever trod;Hands as pure as were the golden Staves which bore the ark of God.
XII.Oh! they built up radiant visions, Like an iris after rain;How all Paradise traditions Might be made to live again.Of Humanity's sad story, How their hand should turn the page,And the ancient primal glory, Fling upon this latter age.
XIII.How with Godlike aspirations, Up the souls of men would climb,Till the fallen, enslavéd nations Trod in rhythmic march sublime;Reaching heights the people knew not, Till their Prophet Leaders led—Bathed in light that mortals view not, While the spirit life lies dead.
