ON SEEING THE DIABUTSU — AT KAMAKURA, JAPAN

Long have I searched, cathedral shrine, and hall,

To find a symbol, from the hand of art,

That gave the full expression ( not a part )

Of that ecstatic peace which follows all

Life's pain and passion. Strange it should befall

This outer emblem of the inner heart

Was waiting far beyond the great world's mart -

Immortal answer, to the mortal call.

Unknown the artist, vaguely known his creed:

But the bronze wonder of his work sufficed

To lift me to the heights his faith had trod.

For one rich moment, opulent indeed,

I walked with Krishna, Buddha, and the Christ,

And felt the full serenity of God.