Pale as the front of oblivion and dark as the heart of time,

The wild wan heaven at its height was assailed and subdued and made

More fair than the skies that know not of storm and endure not shade.

The grim sea-swell, grey, sleepless, and sad as a soul estranged,

Shone, smiled, took heart, and was glad of its wrath: and the world's face changed.

V

Up from moorlands northward gleaming

Even to heaven's transcendent height,

Clothed with massive cloud, and seeming

All one fortress reared of night,

Down to where the deep sea, dreaming

Angry dreams, lay dark and white,

White as death and dark as fate,

Heaving with the strong wind's weight,

Sad with stormy pride of state,

One full rainbow shone elate.

Up from inmost memory's dwelling

Where the light of life abides,

Where the past finds tongue, foretelling

Time that comes and grace that guides,

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