The Dumb Idol

FAR, far away, within a lonely vale There stands a temple old — so old and gray, Unwarmed by rays of sunshine; only pale Cold moonbeams o'er it play. Yet nearer draw and see what crimson flood Of light streams through the windows: never rose Could flush so deep a red, but that high Blood For sin that ever flows. Around the altar, deep in silent prayer, The faithful kneel beside the ivory shrine That still enfolds, with all the ancient care, An image once divine. A king draws near in purple robes of state, Bearing the sceptre of his sovereignty; A bishop comes, and all around him wait His priests full reverently. So as the years go by, they come to plead Before the altar, happier to return, But for the poor dumb idol 'tis decreed No light of hope shall burn. It looks not down upon the kneeling throng; But from its staring stony eyes there go Great waves of torturing anguish, not less strong For being silent woe. Ah, deeper woe than ever man has known, Ah, ceaseless longing that no sacrifice Ever assuages — there above the throne Poor pleading, helpless eyes! At times it seems the features cold and set Some gentler thought of passing hope would tell; And one could fancy that a tear made wet The cheeks immovable. Yet, clasped like some strange book of sorcery, Those lips can never speak. The curse must come That sterner godheads have pronounced on thee, Sad idol pale and dumb! Full many a Christ has trod the long steep way Unto all souls God's mercy to impart; Surely the sad-eyed Nazarene shall lay His hand upon thy heart? His grace is shed abroad from rise of sun Unto the furthest islands of the west: Shalt thou, when all the healing work is done. Thou only, not be blest? Slow cycles roll against time's timeless reef, (The eyes of Mary shine with mercy mild!) But still the idol stands in silent grief, Helpless, unreconciled. Thus shall it wait, speechless for evermore, Until at last the fateful trumpet call, And all the lands and all the oceans o'er, The Dusk of Idols fall!