Aeropagus

by Edith Wharton

　　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."