Canto XXXVI

Tho' truths in manhood darkly join,

      Deep-seated in our mystic frame,

      We yield all blessing to the name

Of Him that made them current coin;

For Wisdom dealt with mortal powers,

      Where Truth in closest words shall fail,

      When Truth embodied in a tale

Shall enter in at lowly doors.

And so the Word had breath, and wrought

      With human hands the creed of creeds

      In loveliness of perfect deeds,

More strong than all poetic thought;

Which he may read that binds the sheaf,

      Or builds the house, or digs the grave,

      And those wild eyes that watch the wave

In roarings round the coral reef.