The strong River of Thought has an aye-changeful course,
Yet for ever it springs from the same changeless source
Where God-given Truth in its grandeur doth reign,
The regal physician of Man's mental pain.
Sometimes in high joyance it glideth along
With glamour of music and gladness of song:—
While borne on its bosom gay pleasure-boats sail,
Rejoicing a while in the light laughing gale.
Sometimes like the stream which has sunk under ground,
Yet still keeps its course mid the darkness profound,
Unknown and alone it must hold on its way,
Till emerging at length in the full light of day.
Sometimes like the mountain's fierce torrent it flows,
And all that can hinder its progress o'erthrows;—
Possessing the power of immutable right,
And strong in the strength of invincible might.
Crass Ignorance surely succumbs to its sway,
As boldly it takes its all-conquering way,—
While keen-sighted Knowledge appears in its train,
The sweetener of pleasure, the soother of pain.
Unceasingly hated by many, yet some
Unceasingly love it, though oft they are dumb.
Yet whatever betides, and wherever it flows,
'Tis the noble who love it, the weak who oppose
Great River of Thought! our strange world doth not know
The evil you check, and the good you bestow:—
comprehend
How well and how often you prove its true friend.