V.R. 1819-1901, a Reverie

   The mightiest moments pass uncalendared,
                  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.