Aeropagus

WHERE suns chase suns in rhythmic dance, Where seeds are springing from the dust, Where mind sways mind with spirit-glance, High court is held, and law is just. No hill alone, a sovereign bar; Through space the fiery sparks are whirled That draw and cling, and shape a star, - That burn and cool, and form a world Whose hidden forces hear a voice That leads them by a perfect plan: 'Obey,' it cries, 'with steadfast choice, Law shall complete what law began. 'Refuse, - behold the broken arc, The sky of all its stars despoiled; The new germ smothered in the dark, The snow-pure soul with sin assoiled.' The voice still saith, 'While atoms weave Both world and soul for utmost joy, Who sins must suffer, - no reprieve; The law that quickens must destroy.'