Poem by Paul Hamilton Hayne

Carlyle

O GRANITE nature; like a mountain height
Which pierces heaven! yet with foundations deep,
Rooted where earth's majestic forces sleep,
In quiet breathing on the breast of night:--
Proud thoughts were his that scaled the infinite
Of loftiest grasp, and calm Elysian sweep;
Fierce thoughts were his that burnt the donjon keep
Of ancient wrong, to flood its crypts with light:
Yet o'er his genius, firm as Ailsa's rock,
Large, Atlantean, with grim grandeur dowered,--
Love bloomed, and buds of tender beauty flowered:--
Yet down his rugged massiveness of will
Unscarred by alien passion's fiery shock,
Mercy flowed melting like an Alpine rill!

1. Fate, or God?
2. Aspects of the Pines
3. The Soul-Conflict
4. A Morning after Storm
5. Now, While the Rear-Guard of the Flying Year

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