1860-1 <br /> <br />The Ancient of Days forever is young, <br />Forever the scheme of Nature thrives; <br />I know a wind in purpose strong-- <br />It spins _against_ the way it drives. <br />What if the gulfs their slimed foundations <br />bare? <br />So deep must the stones be hurled <br />Whereon the throes of ages rear <br />The final empire and the happier world. <br /> <br />Power unanointed may come-- <br />Dominion (unsought by the free) <br />And the Iron Dome, <br />Stronger for stress and strain, <br />Fling her huge shadow athwart the main; <br />But the Founders' dream shall flee. <br />Age after age has been, <br />(From man's changeless heart their way they <br />win); <br />And death be busy with all who strive-- <br />Death, with silent negative. <br /> <br />_Yea and Nay--_ <br />_Each hath his say;_ <br />_But God He keeps the middle way._ <br />_None was by_ <br />_When He spread the sky;_ <br />_Wisdom is vain, and prophecy._<br /><br />Herman Melville<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/from-the-conflict-of-convictions/
