BIRTHDAY ODE.
147
Fear and love as of heaven above and earth enkindled of
heaven were one;
One white flame, that around his name grew keen and
strong as the worldwide sun;
Awe made bright with implied delight, as weft with weft
of the rainbow spun.
III.
never have heart to sing:
All the grace of the sun-god's face that bids the soul as
a fountain spring
Bids the brow that receives it bow, and hail his likeness
on earth as king.
We that knew when the sun's shaft flew beheld and
worshipped, adored and heard:
Light rang round it of shining sound, whence all men's
hearts were subdued and stirred:
Joy, love, sorrow, the day, the morrow, took life upon
them in one man's word.
