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From The Conflict Of Convictions
By Herman Melville

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     1860-1

     The Ancient of Days forever is young,
       Forever the scheme of Nature thrives;
     I know a wind in purpose strong—
       It spins against the way it drives.
     What if the gulfs their slimed foundations
         bare?
     So deep must the stones be hurled
     Whereon the throes of ages rear
     The final empire and the happier world.

       Power unanointed may come—
     Dominion (unsought by the free)
       And the Iron Dome,
     Stronger for stress and strain,
     Fling her huge shadow athwart the main;
     But the Founders' dream shall flee.
     Age after age has been,
     (From man's changeless heart their way they
         win);
     And death be busy with all who strive—
     Death, with silent negative.

       Yea and Nay—
       Each hath his say;
       But God He keeps the middle way.
       None was by
       When He spread the sky;
       Wisdom is vain, and prophecy.
 
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