Not swift nor slow to change, but firm; And in its season bring the law,

That from Discussion's lip may fall
With Life that, working strongly, binds-
Set in all lights by many minds,
To close the interests of all.

For Nature also, cold and warm,
And moist and dry, devising long,
Thro' many agents making strong,
Matures the individual form.

Meet is it changes should control

Our being, lest we rust in ease. We all are changed by still degrees, All but the basis of the soul.

So let the change which comes be free
To ingroove itself with that which flies,
And work, a joint of state, that plies
Its office, moved with sympathy.

A saying hard to shape in act;

For all the past of Time reveals
A bridal dawn of thunder-peals,
Wherever Thought hath wedded Fact.

Even now we hear with inward strife
A motion toiling in the gloom
The Spirit of the years to come
Yearning to mix himself with Life.

A slow-develop'd strength awaits
Completion in a painful school;
Phantoms of other forms of rule,
New Majesties of mighty States

The warders of the growing hour,
But vague in vapor, hard to mark;

And round them sea and air are dark With great contrivances of Power.

Of many changes, aptly join'd,

Is bodied forth the second whole.

Regard gradation, lest the soul Of Discord race the rising wind;

A wind to puff your idol-fires,

And heap their ashes on the head; To shame the boast so often made, That we are wiser than our sires.

O, yet, if Nature's evil star

Drive men in manhood, as in youth,

60

70

Right thro' the world: 'at home was little left,

none,

To hold by. hand

20

Francis, laughing, clapt his

On Everard's shoulder, with 'I hold by

Why yes,' I said, 'we knew your gift that

way