That man is truly great, and he alone <br />Who venerates, of present things or past <br />The absolute only,—is the liege of none <br />Save God and truth; who, awed not by this vast <br />And shadowy scheme of life, but anchored fast <br />In love, and sitting central like the sun, <br />So gives his mental beams to pierce and run <br />Through all its secrets while his days may last. <br />While thus progressive, little faith has he <br />For mysteries, till, sounding them, he hear <br />The gathered tones of their stirred depths agree <br />With that religious harmony severe, <br />Which ever anthems to his spirit’s ear <br />The hallowing presence of the Deity.<br /><br />Charles Harpur<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/greatness-19/
