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1850–1919

ON SEEING THE DIABUTSU — AT KAMAKURA, JAPAN

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Long have I searched, cathedral shrine, and hall, To find a symbol, from the hand of art, That gave the full expression ( not a part ) Of that ecstatic peace which follows all

Life's pain and passion. Strange it should befall This outer emblem of the inner heart Was waiting far beyond the great world's mart - Immortal answer, to the mortal call.

Unknown the artist, vaguely known his creed: But the bronze wonder of his work sufficed To lift me to the heights his faith had trod. For one rich moment, opulent indeed,

I walked with Krishna, Buddha, and the Christ, And felt the full serenity of God.

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