| |
| THRONES, Powers, Dominions, Peoples, Kings, | |
| Are changing ’neath our hand. | |
| Our fathers also see these things | |
| But they do not understand. | |
| |
| By—they are by with mirth and tears, | 5 |
| Wit or the works of Desire— | |
| Cushioned about on the kindly years | |
| Between the wall and the fire. | |
| |
| The grapes are pressed, the corn is shocked— | |
| Standeth no more to glean; | 10 |
| For the Gates of Love and Learning locked | |
| When they went out between. | |
| |
| All lore our Lady Venus bares, | |
| Signalled it was or told | |
| By the dear lips long given to theirs | 15 |
| And longer to the mould. | |
| |
| All Profit, all Device, all Truth | |
| Written it was or said | |
| By the mighty men of their mighty youth, | |
| Which is mighty being dead. | 20 |
| |
| The film that floats before their eyes | |
| The Temple’s Veil they call; | |
| And the dust that on the Shewbread lies | |
| Is holy over all. | |
| |
| Warn them of seas that slip our yoke | 25 |
| Of slow-conspiring stars— | |
| The ancient Front of Things unbroke | |
| But heavy with new wars? | |
| |
| By—they are by with mirth and tears, | |
| Wit or the waste of Desire— | 30 |
| Cushioned about on the kindly years | |
| Between the wall and the fire! | |
| |
