32. Substance and Shadow
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THEY do but grope in learning's pedant round, |
| Who on the fantasies of sense bestow |
| An idol substance, bidding us bow low |
| Before those shades of being which are found, |
| Stirring or still, on man's brief trial-ground; |
| As if such shapes and moods, which come and
go, |
| Had aught of Truth or Life in their poor
show, |
| To sway or judge, and skill to sane or wound. |
| Son of immortal seed, high-destined Man! |
| Know thy dread gift,—a creature, yet a cause: |
| Each mind is its own centre, and it draws |
| Home to itself, and moulds in its thought's span |
| All outward things, the vassals of its will, |
| Aided by Heaven, by earth unthwarted still. |
Falmouth.
December 7, 1832. |