Thou for whose birth the whole creation yearned Through countless ages of the morning world, Who, first in fiery vapors dimly hurled, Next to the senseless crystal slowly turned, Then to the plant which grew to something more, -- Humblest of creatures that draw breath of life,-- Wherefrom through infinites of patient pain Came conscious man to reason and adore: Shall we be shamed because such things have been, Or hate one jot of our ancestral pride? Nay, in thyself art thou not deified That from such depths thou couldst such summits win? While the long way behind is prophecy Of those perfections which are yet to be. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DOMESDAY BOOK: THE CONVENT by EDGAR LEE MASTERS A LILLIPUTIAN ODE ON THEIR MAJESTIES' ACCESSION by HENRY CAREY (1687-1743) THE MILKMAID'S SONG by SYDNEY THOMPSON DOBELL DIVINA COMMEDIA (INTRODUCTORY POEMS): 1 by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW SUMMER'S LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT: SPRING by THOMAS NASHE I AM THE PEOPLE, THE MOB by CARL SANDBURG SEVEN AGES OF MAN, FR. AS YOU LIKE IT by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE |