C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

The Universe

OF this fair volume which we World do name,

If we the leaves and sheets could turn with care—

Of Him who it corrects and did it frame

We clear might read the art and wisdom rare,

Find out his power, which wildest powers doth tame,

His providence, extending everywhere,

His justice, which proud rebels doth not spare,

In every page and period of the same.

But silly we, like foolish children, rest

Well pleased with colored vellum, leaves of gold,

Fair dangling ribands, leaving what is best;

On the great Writer’s sense ne’er taking hold;

Or if by chance we stay our minds on aught,

It is some picture on the margin wrought.