V.R. 1819-1901 (A Reverie.)

Portrait of Thomas Hardy
Thomas Hardy 1840–1928

Moments the mightiest pass calendared, And when the Absolute In backward Time outgave the deedful word Whereby all life is stirred: "Let one be born and throned whose mould shall constitute The norm of every royal-reckoned attribute," No mortal knew or heard. But in due days the purposed Life outshone - Serene, sagacious, free; --Her waxing seasons bloomed with deeds well done, And the world's heart was won . . . Yet may the deed of hers most bright in eyes to be Lie hid from ours--as in the All-One's thought lay she - Till ripening years have run.

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