Page:Livingstone in Africa.djvu/141

His plain severe sublimity of life.
Could he have borne, who drank the liberal wind
Of deserts, like a lion or a pard,
Our stifling air of dull proprieties,
And pale decorum's mild monotony?
Who, with clear eyes on the Celestial Pole,
Loved, like an Arab, wandering wild and free!

While some surmise the dubious dim realm,²⁵
Where he surrender'd to a sacred cause
His very life-breath in a life-long war,
Holds verily the furthest founts of Nile!

His death-cold hand unveils a Mystery,
Which all the unyielding ages from of old
Have shrouded in impenetrable gloom;
A darkness formidable from tongues confused
Of hydra-headed Error, breathing fear.
Champion of knowledge, and celestial love!
Conqueror of unconquerable Nile!
Mortal too bold! who dared to penetrate
That awful phantom-guarded Presence-chamber,