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."