Laus Mariae

Across the brook of Time man leaping goes

On stepping-stones of epochs, that uprise

Fixed, memorable, midst broad shallow flows

Of neutrals, kill-times, sleeps, indifferencies.

So twixt each morn and night rise salient heaps:

Some cross with but a zigzag, jaded pace

From meal to meal:  some with convulsive leaps

Shake the green tussocks of malign disgrace:

And some advance by system and deep art

O'er vantages of wealth, place, learning, tact.

But thou within thyself, dear manifold heart,

Dost bind all epochs in one dainty Fact.

    Oh, sweet, my pretty sum of history,

    I leapt the breadth of Time in loving thee!