Chapter XIII

I saw how Sunward soaring, an Eagle cleaved the air;
And how in Shadow sitting, there coo'd a Turtle pair.
I saw how o'er the Heavens, the Clouds in Herds rush'd wild;
And how close round the Shepherd the Lambkins gather'd fair.
I heard the Stars all asking: When shall we rise again?
And Buds in Seedlings folded sigh: Doth Love for us care?
I saw a Grass blade blossom at Morn and fade at Night;
While Cedars braved a thousand Years the Tempests raging there.
I saw old Ocean's Billows like Kings all crowned with foam,
Then flung from Rocks, down fallen, like Penitents in Prayer.
I saw a Dewdrop sparkling, nor did it Danger dread;
But, soon consumed, it vanish'd, that sun-bright Jewel rare.
I saw close crowding Mankind new Towns and Castles rear;
And swarming Ants heaped Hillocks up, with Winter's garner'd fare.
I saw the Warhorse prancing and trampling golden Grain;
And all his Hoofs were redden'd with the Blood of Love's Despair.
I saw the Winter weaving from Flakes a Robe of Death;
And the Spring found Earth in Mourning, all naked, lone and bare.
I heard Time's Loom a-whirring that wove the Sun's dim Veil;
I saw a Worm a-weaving in Life-threads its own Lair.
I saw the Great was Smallest, and saw the Smallest Great;
For God had set His Likeness on all the Things that were.

Renovation