Laus Mariae
Across the brook of Time man leaping goesOn stepping-stones of epochs, that upriseFixed, memorable, midst broad shallow flowsOf neutrals, kill-times, sleeps, indifferencies.So twixt each morn and night rise salient heaps:Some cross with but a zigzag, jaded paceFrom meal to meal: some with convulsive leapsShake the green tussocks of malign disgrace:And some advance by system and deep artO’er vantages of wealth, place, learning, tact.But thou within thyself, dear manifold heart,Dost bind all epochs in one dainty Fact.Oh, sweet, my pretty sum of history,I leapt the breadth of Time in loving thee!
Baltimore, 1874–5.