Alter-Flame

I saw a mountain at the close of day, Snow-crowned and lonely, where the after-glow Lingered, the ghost of sunset, fading slow. I said, 'This is God's altar, and the way Earthward, of things eternal, even all they That see His face.' And evening was, and lo! I was aware how that inviolate snow Upheld a fire! As one that in dismay Views what he deems a mystery, so I Stood silent, till, an alien glory grown, That light broke loose to a remoter sky And in its deeper heaven burned alone. So had the star of evening, fancied nigh, Sate for a little that stupendous throne.