Aeropagus

Where suns chase suns in rhythmic dance,

Where seeds are springing from the dust,

Where mind sways mind with spirit-glance,

High court is held, and law is just.

No hill alone, a sovereign bar;

Through space the fiery sparks are whirled

That draw and cling, and shape a star, —

That burn and cool, and form a world

Whose hidden forces hear a voice

That leads them by a perfect plan:

"Obey," it cries, "with steadfast choice,

Law shall complete what law began.

"Refuse, — behold the broken arc,

The sky of all its stars despoiled;

The new germ smothered in the dark,

The snow-pure soul with sin assoiled."

The voice still saith, "While atoms weave

Both world and soul for utmost joy,

Who sins must suffer, — no reprieve;

The law that quickens must destroy."