That reach the mind of tender youth,

Are labyrinths of tangled views

Devoid of art, science, and truth;

Touch but that chord of magic power

Which gives the soul augmented bliss,

And lifts it for the present hour

Above the world's base selfishness;

Then let the search-light of the soul

Illumine every page that's read,

Until an animated whole

Shall supersede the living dead.

Then, then shall dawn the golden day

When Ignorance shall shamed-faced fly

Before the potent living ray

Of mind, touched by effulgency

That pours its light in vital force,

Upon the mind of plastic youth,

And leads it gently to the source

Of light and scientific truth.

[Pg 11]

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