72. Warnings
{130}
WHEN Heaven sends sorrow,
          Warnings go first,
          Lest it should burst
          With stunning might
          On souls too bright
                  To fear the morrow.

Can science bear us
          To the hid springs
          Of human things?
          Why may not dream,
          Or thought's day-gleam,
                  Startle, yet cheer us?

Are such thoughts fetters,
          While Faith disowns
          Dread of earth's tones,
          Reeks but Heaven's call,
          And on the wall
                  Reads but Heaven's letters?

Between Calatafimi and Palermo.
February 12, 1833.

 

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Newman Reader — Works of John Henry Newman
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