A Pharaoh's tomb:

All these did he have—and he is dead."

[Pg 47]

[Pg 47]

THE SHRINE OF SHRINES

There is in Egypt by the ancient Nile

A temple of imperishable stone,

Stupendous, columned, hieroglyphed, and known

To all the world as Faith's supremest shrine.

Half in debris it stands, a granite pile

Gigantic, stayed midway in resurrection,

An awe, an inspiration, a dejection

To all who would the cryptic past divine.

The god of it was Ammon, and a throng

Of worshippers from Thebes the royal-gated

Forever at its fervid pylons waited

While priests poured ever a prophetic song.

And yet this Ammon, who gave Egypt laws,

Is not—and is forgot—and never was!

[Pg 48]

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