178 EDGAR LEE MASTERS
In fiery shock and dazzling pain before
The orient splendor of the face of Death,
As a great light beside a shadowy sea ;
And in a high will's strenuous exercise.
Where the warmed spirit finds its fullest strength
And is no more afraid. And in the stroke
Of azure lightning when the hidden essence
And shifting meaning of man's spiritual worth
And mystical significance in time
Are instantly distilled to one clear drop
Which mirrors earth and heaven.
This is life Flaming to heaven in a minute's span When the breath of battle blows the smoldering
spark. And across these seas
We who cry Peace and treasure life and cling To cities, happiness, or daily toil For daily bread, or trail the long routine Of seventy years, taste not the terrible wine Whereof you drink, who drain and toss the cup Empty and ringing by the finished feast ; Or have it shaken from your hand by sight Of God against the olive woods.
As Joan of Arc amid the apple trees
With sacred joy first heard the voices, then
�� �
