THE REBEL

No doubt the ordered worlds speed on

With purpose in their wings;

No doubt the ordered songs are sweet

Each worthy angel sings;

And doubtless it is wise to heed

The ordered words of Kings;

But how the heart leaps up to greet

The headlong, rebel flight,

Whenas some reckless meteor

Blazes across the night!

Some comet — Byron — Lucifer —

Has dared to Be, and fight!

No doubt but it is safe to dwell

Where ordered duties are;

No doubt the cherubs earn their wage

Who wind each ticking star;

No doubt the system is quite right!—

Sane, ordered, regular;

But how the rebel fires the soul

Who dares the strong gods’ ire!

Each Byron!— Shelley!— Lucifer!—

And all the outcast choir

That chant when some Prometheus

Leaps up to steal Jove's fire!