* * * * *
THE EXCURSION.
Book i.
The vision and the faculty divine.
* * * * *
The imperfect offices of prayer and praise.
* * * * *
The good die first,
And they whose hearts are dry as summer dust
Burn to the socket.
Book ii.
With battlements, that on their restless fronts
Bore stars.
Book iii.
Wrongs unredressed, or insults unavenged.
* * * * *
Monastic brotherhood, upon rock Aerial.
Book iv.
I have seen
A curious child, who dwelt upon a tract
Of inland ground, applying to his ear
The convolutions of a smooth-lipped shell;
To which, in silence hushed, his very soul
Listened intensely; and his countenance soon
Brightened with joy; for from within were heard
Murmurings, whereby the monitor expressed
Mysterious union with its native sea.
* * * * *
One in whom persuasion and belief
Had ripened into faith, and faith become
A passionate intuition.
Book vi.
Spires whose silent fingers point to heaven.
Book vii.
Wisdom married to immortal verse.
Book ix.
The primal duties shine aloft, like stars,
The charities, that soothe, and heal, and bless,
Are scattered at the feet of Man, like flowers.
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