Strange clouds have risen between, and wild

Red stars of storm that lit the abyss

Wherein fierce fraud and violence kiss

And mock such promise as beguiled

The fiftieth year from this.

XIII

War upon war, change after change,

Hath shaken thrones and towers to dust,

And hopes austere and faiths august

Have watched in patience stern and strange

Men's works unjust and just.

XIV

As from some Alpine watch-tower's portal

Night, living yet, looks forth for dawn,

So from time's mistier mountain lawn

The spirit of man, in trust immortal,

Yearns toward a hope withdrawn.

XV

The morning comes not, yet the night

Wanes, and men's eyes win strength to see

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