17
Of the dotards, slow constraint of Maurya’s mind
Tothe one end. Next, study: next, research
In places long-forgotten of the West,
Deep hidden of the East : the perfect rite
Dragged by laborious hand and brain to shape
And this [ Raises giass.| the first fruits ! Hail,
thou fount of wit,
Light liquor, child of cares how heavy ! Drink !
The peace of the Priest !
[He drinks up the liquor.|
Be thou my light !
Uncloud the misty channels of the mind!
Off, horror ! Off, compassion ! Be the brain
The almighty engine of the Will—and those
Subtler and deeper forces grimly guessed,
Terribly proven—be they strong thereby !
Awake, O sleeping serpent of the soul,
Unhinted skills, and unimagined powers,
And purposes undreamed of !
[He goes now calmly atout the temple, arranging
all the ornaments. He empties the censer.|
Shadowy influence
Of smoke ! Where lies its physiologic act?
What drug conceals the portent? Mystery !
Mystery ninefold closed upon itself
That matter should move mind—Ay ! darker yet
That mind should work on matter? And the proof
Extant, implicit in the thought thereof !
Else all our work were vain. These twain be one ;