Sigurd'S Meditations In The Church-Porch

The gaze of a dog is blind To splendors of summit and sky, Ocean and isle, But never a painter shall find The beautiful more than I In my lady's smile.

The thought of a dog is dim. Not even a wag he deigns To the wisest book. Philosophy dwells for him In loving the law that reigns In voice, in look.

The heart of a dog is meek. He places his utter trust In a mortal grace, Contented his God to seek In a creature framed of dust With a dreaming face.

The human is our divine. In the porch of the church, I pray For a rustling dress, For those dear, swift steps of thine, Whose path is my perfect way Of holiness.