Oh, thy bright eyes must answer now, When Reason, with a scornful brow, Is mocking at my overthrow! Oh, thy sweet tongue must plead for me
And tell why I have chosen thee! Stern Reason is to judgment come, Arrayed in all her forms of gloom: Wilt thou, my advocate, be dumb?
No, radiant angel, speak and say, Why I did cast the world away. Why I have persevered to shun The common paths that others run;
And on a strange road journeyed on, Heedless, alike of wealth and power — Of glory's wreath and pleasure's flower. These, once, indeed, seemed Beings Divine;
And they, perchance, heard vows of mine, And saw my offerings on their shrine; But careless gifts are seldom prized, And MINE were worthily despised.
So, with a ready heart, I swore To seek their altar-stone no more; And gave my spirit to adore Thee, ever-present, phantom thing —
My slave, my comrade, and my king. A slave, because I rule thee still; Incline thee to my changeful will, And make thy influence good or ill:
A comrade, for by day and night Thou art my intimate delight,— My darling pain that wounds and sears, And wrings a blessing out from tears
By deadening me to earthly cares; And yet, a king, though Prudence well Have taught thy subject to rebel And am I wrong to worship where
Faith cannot doubt, nor hope despair, Since my own soul can grant my prayer? Speak, God of visions, plead for me, And tell why I have chosen thee!
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