{"id":3386,"date":"2013-07-13T01:48:00","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=3386"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:48:00","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:48:00","slug":"04-book-1-canto-2-the-issue-vol-01-savitri-1950","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/02-other-editions\/01-savitri\/01-savitri-1950\/04-book-1-canto-2-the-issue-vol-01-savitri-1950","title":{"rendered":"-04_ Book 1 Canto 2 The Issue.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tCANTO TWO<\/B><\/FONT><\/P>
\n\t


\n\t\t\t\t <\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tTHE ISSUE <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/B>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t

 <\/P>
\n\t\t\t<\/TD>
\n\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA WHILE,<\/B><\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\twithdrawn
\n\t\t\t\tin secret fields of thought, <\/P><\/p>\n

Her mind moved in a many-imaged
\n\t\t\t\tpast<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

That lived again and saw its end approach: <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tDying,
\n\t\t\t\tit lived imperishably in her,<\/P><\/p>\n

Transient and vanishing from
\n\t\t\t\ttransient eyes,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Invisible, a fateful ghost of self,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

It bore
\n\t\t\t\tthe future on its phantom breast,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Along the fleeting event’s
\n\t\t\t\tfar-backward trail<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Regressed the stream of the insistent
\n\t\t\t\thours,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And on the bank of the mysterious flood<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Peopled with
\n\t\t\t\twell-loved forms now seen no more<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And the subtle images of
\n\t\t\t\tthings that were,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Her witness spirit stood reviewing Time.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

All
\n\t\t\t\tthat she once had hoped and dreamed and been,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Flew past her
\n\t\t\t\teagle-winged through memory’s skies,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

As in a many-hued flaming
\n\t\t\t\tinner dawn,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Her life’s broad highways and its sweet
\n\t\t\t\tbypaths<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Lay mapped to her sun-clear recording view,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

From
\n\t\t\t\tthe bright country of her childhood’s days<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And the blue
\n\t\t\t\tmountains of her soaring youth<\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tOr <\/B>a<\/FONT> vast
\n\t\t\t\tignorant mind’s colossal work.<\/P><\/p>\n

But wisdom comes, and vision
\n\t\t\t\tgrows within; <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThen
\n\t\t\t\tNature’s instrument crowns himself her king; <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHe<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\tfeels his
\n\t\t\t\twitnessing self and conscious power; <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHis
\n\t\t\t\tsoul steps back and sees the Light supreme.<\/P><\/p>\n

A Godhead stands
\n\t\t\t\tbehind the brute machine.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

This truth broke in in a triumph of
\n\t\t\t\tfire; <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tvictory was won for God in man, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThe<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\tdeity revealed
\n\t\t\t\tits hidden face. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThe
\n\t\t\t\tgreat World-Mother now in her arose: <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tliving choice reversed fate’s cold dead turn,<\/P><\/p>\n

Affirmed the
\n\t\t\t\tspirit’s tread on Circumstance,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Pressed back the senseless
\n\t\t\t\tdire revolving Wheel<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And stopped the mute march of
\n\t\t\t\tNecessity.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A flaming warrior from the eternal peaks<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Empowered
\n\t\t\t\tto force the door denied and closed<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Smote from Death’s visage
\n\t\t\t\tits dumb absolute<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And burst the bounds of consciousness and
\n\t\t\t\tTime.<\/B><\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t

<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

And
\n\t\t\t\tthe paradise groves and peacock wings of Love<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

To joy clutched
\n\t\t\t\tunder the silent shadow of doom<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

In a last turn where heaven
\n\t\t\t\traced with hell.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Twelve passionate months led in a day of fate.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

An absolute
\n\t\t\t\tsupernatural darkness falls<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

On man sometimes when he draws
\n\t\t\t\tnear to God: <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAn
\n\t\t\t\thour comes when fail all Nature’s means; <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tForced
\n\t\t\t\tout from the protecting Ignorance<\/P><\/p>\n

And flung back on his naked
\n\t\t\t\tprimal need,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/FONT><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\tHe
\n\t\t\t\tat length must cast from him his surface soul <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tPage 12<\/SPAN><\/FONT><\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAnd
\n\t\t\t\tbe the ungarbed entity within: <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThat
\n\t\t\t\thour had fallen now on Savitri. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tpoint she had reached where life must be in vain <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tOr,
\n\t\t\t\tin her unborn element awake, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHer
\n\t\t\t\twill must cancel her body’s destiny. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tFor
\n\t\t\t\tonly the unborn spirit’s timeless power <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tCan
\n\t\t\t\tlift the yoke imposed by birth in time. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tOnly
\n\t\t\t\tthe Self that builds this figure of self <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tCan
\n\t\t\t\trase the fixed interminable line <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThat
\n\t\t\t\tjoins these changing names, these numberless lives, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThese
\n\t\t\t\tnew oblivious personalities <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAnd
\n\t\t\t\tkeeps still lurking in our conscious acts <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThe
\n\t\t\t\ttrail of old forgotten thoughts and deeds, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tDisown
\n\t\t\t\tthe legacy of our buried selves, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThe
\n\t\t\t\tburdensome heirship to our vanished forms <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAccepted
\n\t\t\t\tblindly by the body and soul. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAn
\n\t\t\t\tepisode in an unremembered tale, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tIts
\n\t\t\t\tbeginning lost, its motive and plot concealed, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tonce living story has prepared and made <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tOur
\n\t\t\t\tpresent fate, child of past energies. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThe
\n\t\t\t\tfixity of the cosmic sequences <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tFastened
\n\t\t\t\twith hidden inevitable links <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tShe
\n\t\t\t\tmust disrupt, dislodge by her soul’s force <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHer
\n\t\t\t\tpast, a block on the immortal’s road, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tMake
\n\t\t\t\ta<\/FONT> rased
\n\t\t\t\tground and shape anew her fate. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tcolloquy of the original Gods <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tMeeting
\n\t\t\t\tupon the borders of the unknown, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHer<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\tsoul’s debate
\n\t\t\t\twith embodied Nothingness <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tMust
\n\t\t\t\tbe wrestled out on a dangerous dim background: <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHer
\n\t\t\t\tbeing must confront its formless Cause,<\/P><\/p>\n

Against the universe
\n\t\t\t\tweigh its single self.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

On the bare peak where Self is alone
\n\t\t\t\twith Nought<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And life has no sense and love no place to
\n\t\t\t\tstand,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

She must plead her case upon extinction’s verge,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

In
\n\t\t\t\tthe world’s death-cave uphold life’s helpless claim<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\n\t\t\t\tvindicate her right to be and love.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Altered must be Nature’s
\n\t\t\t\tharsh economy; <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAcquittance
\n\t\t\t\tshe must win from her past’s bond, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAn
\n\t\t\t\told account of suffering exhaust, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tStrike
\n\t\t\t\tout from Time the soul’s long compound debt<\/FONT><\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tPage
\n\t\t\t\t13<\/SPAN><\/FONT><\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAnd
\n\t\t\t\tthe heavy servitudes of the Karmic Gods, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThe
\n\t\t\t\tslow revenge of unforgiving Law <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAnd
\n\t\t\t\tthe deep need of universal pain <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAnd
\n\t\t\t\thard sacrifice and tragic consequence. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tOut
\n\t\t\t\tof a timeless barrier she must break, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tPenetrate
\n\t\t\t\twith her thinking depths the Void’s monstrous hush, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tLook
\n\t\t\t\tinto the lonely eyes of immortal Death <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAnd
\n\t\t\t\twith her nude spirit measure the Infinite’s night. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThe
\n\t\t\t\tgreat and dolorous moment now was close. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tmailed battalion marching to its doom, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThe
\n\t\t\t\tlast long days went by with heavy tramp, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tLong
\n\t\t\t\tbut too soon to pass, too near the end. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAlone
\n\t\t\t\tamid the many faces loved, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAware
\n\t\t\t\tamong unknowing happy hearts, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHer
\n\t\t\t\tarmoured spirit kept watch upon the hours <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tListening
\n\t\t\t\tfor a foreseen tremendous step <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tIn
\n\t\t\t\tthe closed beauty of the inhuman wilds. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tcombatant in silent dreadful lists, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThe
\n\t\t\t\tworld unknowing, for the world she stood: <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tNo
\n\t\t\t\thelper had she save the Strength within,<\/P><\/p>\n

There was no witness
\n\t\t\t\tof terrestrial eyes; <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThe
\n\t\t\t\tGods above and Nature’s soul below <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tWere
\n\t\t\t\tthe spectators of that mighty strife. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAround
\n\t\t\t\ther were the austere sky-pointing hills, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAnd
\n\t\t\t\tthe green murmurous broad deep-thoughted woods <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tMuttered
\n\t\t\t\tincessantly their muffled spell. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tdense magnificent coloured self-wrapped life <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tDraped
\n\t\t\t\tin the leaves’ vivid emerald monotone <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAnd
\n\t\t\t\tset with chequered sunbeams and blithe flowers <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tImmured
\n\t\t\t\ther destiny’s secluded scene. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThere
\n\t\t\t\thad she grown to the stature of her spirit: <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThe
\n\t\t\t\tgenius of titanic silences<\/P><\/p>\n

Steeping her soul in its wide
\n\t\t\t\tloneliness<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Had shown to her her self’s bare reality<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\n\t\t\t\tmated her with her environment.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Its solitude greatened her
\n\t\t\t\thuman hours<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

With a background of the eternal and unique.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A
\n\t\t\t\tforce of spare direct necessity<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Reduced the heavy framework of
\n\t\t\t\tman’s days<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And his overburdening mass of outward needs <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tPage
\n\t\t\t\t14<\/SPAN><\/FONT><\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tTo
\n\t\t\t\ta<\/FONT> first
\n\t\t\t\tthin strip of simple animal wants, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAnd
\n\t\t\t\tthe mighty wideness of the primitive earth<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAnd
\n\t\t\t\tthe brooding multitude of patient trees <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAnd
\n\t\t\t\tthe musing sapphire leisure of the sky <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAnd
\n\t\t\t\tthe solemn weight of the slowly passing months <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHad
\n\t\t\t\tleft in her deep room for thought and God. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThere
\n\t\t\t\twas her drama’s radiant prologue lived. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tspot for the eternal’s tread on earth <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tSet
\n\t\t\t\tin the cloistral yearning of the woods <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAnd
\n\t\t\t\twatched by the aspiration of the peaks <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAppeared
\n\t\t\t\tthrough an aureate opening in Time <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tWhere
\n\t\t\t\tstillness listening felt the unspoken word <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAnd
\n\t\t\t\tthe hours forgot to pass towards grief and change. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHere
\n\t\t\t\twith the suddenness divine advents have, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tRepeating
\n\t\t\t\tthe marvel of the first descent, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tChanging
\n\t\t\t\tto rapture the dull earthly round, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tLove
\n\t\t\t\tcame to her hiding the shadow. Death. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tWell
\n\t\t\t\tmight he find in her his perfect shrine. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tSince
\n\t\t\t\tfirst the earth-being’s heavenward growth began, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThrough
\n\t\t\t\tall the long ordeal of the race, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tNever
\n\t\t\t\ta rarer creature bore his shaft, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThat
\n\t\t\t\tburning test of the godhead in our parts, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tlightning from the heights on our abyss. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAll
\n\t\t\t\tin her pointed to a nobler kind. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tNear
\n\t\t\t\tto earth’s wideness, intimate with heaven, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tExalted
\n\t\t\t\tand swift her young large-visioned spirit <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tVoyaging
\n\t\t\t\tthrough worlds of splendour and of calm <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tOverflew
\n\t\t\t\tthe ways of Thought to unborn things. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tArdent
\n\t\t\t\twas her self-poised unstumbling will; <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHer
\n\t\t\t\tmind, a sea of white sincerity, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tPassionate
\n\t\t\t\tin flow, had not one turbid wave. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAs
\n\t\t\t\tin a mystic and dynamic dance <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tpriestess of immaculate ecstasies <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tInspired
\n\t\t\t\tand ruled from Truth’s revealing vault <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tMoves
\n\t\t\t\tin some prophet cavern of the gods, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\theart of silence in the hands of joy <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tInhabited
\n\t\t\t\twith rich creative beats <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tbody like a parable of dawn <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThat<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\tseemed a niche
\n\t\t\t\tfor veiled divinity <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tOr<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\tgolden temple
\n\t\t\t\tdoor to things beyond.<\/FONT><\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tPage
\n\t\t\t\t15<\/SPAN><\/FONT><\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tImmortal
\n\t\t\t\trhythms swayed in her time-born steps; <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHer
\n\t\t\t\tlook, her smile awoke celestial sense<\/P><\/p>\n

Even in earth-stuff, and
\n\t\t\t\ttheir intense delight<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Poured a supernal beauty on men’s
\n\t\t\t\tlives.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A wide self-giving was her native act; <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tmagnanimity as of sea or sky<\/P><\/p>\n

Enveloped with its greatness all
\n\t\t\t\tthat came<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And gave a sense as of a greatened world: <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHer
\n\t\t\t\tkindly care was a sweet temperate sun,<\/P><\/p>\n

Her high passion a blue
\n\t\t\t\theaven’s equipoise.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

As might a soul fly like a hunted
\n\t\t\t\tbird,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Escaping with tired wings from a world of storms,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\n\t\t\t\ta quiet reach like a remembered breast,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/FONT><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\tIn <\/B>a<\/FONT> haven
\n\t\t\t\tof safety and splendid soft repose<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

One could drink life back
\n\t\t\t\tin streams of honey-fire,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Recover the lost habit of
\n\t\t\t\thappiness,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Feel her bright nature’s glorious ambiance,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\n\t\t\t\tpreen joy in her warmth and colour’s rule.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A deep of
\n\t\t\t\tcompassion, a hushed sanctuary,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Her inward help unbarred a
\n\t\t\t\tgate in heaven; <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tLove
\n\t\t\t\tin her was wider than the universe,<\/P><\/p>\n

The whole world could take
\n\t\t\t\trefuge in her single heart.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The great unsatisfied godhead here
\n\t\t\t\tcould dwell: <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tVacant
\n\t\t\t\tof the dwarf self’s imprisoned air<\/P><\/p>\n

Her mood could harbour his
\n\t\t\t\tsublimer breath<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Spiritual that can make all things divine.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

For
\n\t\t\t\teven her gulfs were secrecies of light.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

At once she was the
\n\t\t\t\tstillness and the word,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A continent of self-diffusing
\n\t\t\t\tpeace,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

An ocean of untrembling virgin fire: <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThe
\n\t\t\t\tstrength, the silence of the gods were hers.<\/P><\/p>\n

In her he found a
\n\t\t\t\tvastness like his own,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

His high warm subtle ether he
\n\t\t\t\trefound<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And moved in her as in his natural home.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

In her he
\n\t\t\t\tmet his own eternity.\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

<\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\t      Till then
\n\t\t\t\tno mournful line had barred this ray.<\/P><\/p>\n

On the frail breast of
\n\t\t\t\tthis precarious earth,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Since her orbed sight in its
\n\t\t\t\tbreath-fastened house,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Opening in sympathy with happier stars<\/p>\n

<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tPage
\n\t\t\t\t16<\/SPAN><\/FONT><\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tWhere
\n\t\t\t\tlife is not exposed to sorrowful change,<\/P><\/p>\n

Remembered beauty
\n\t\t\t\tdeath-claimed lids ignore<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And wondered at this world of
\n\t\t\t\tfragile forms<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Carried on canvas-strips of shimmering Time,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The
\n\t\t\t\timpunity of unborn Mights was hers.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Although she leaned to
\n\t\t\t\tbear the human load,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Her walk kept still the measure of the
\n\t\t\t\tgods.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Earth’s breath had failed to stain that brilliant glass:
\n\t\t\t\t<\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tUnsmeared
\n\t\t\t\twith the dust of our mortal atmosphere<\/P><\/FONT><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\tIt<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\tstill reflected
\n\t\t\t\theaven’s spiritual joy.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Almost they saw who lived within her
\n\t\t\t\tlight<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/FONT><\/p>\n

Her<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\tplaymate in the
\n\t\t\t\tsempiternal spheres<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Descended from its unattainable realms<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/FONT><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\tIn<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\ther attracting
\n\t\t\t\tadvent’s luminous wake,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The white-fire dragon bird of endless
\n\t\t\t\tbliss<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Drifting with burning wings above her days: <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHeaven’s
\n\t\t\t\ttranquil shield guarded the missioned <\/b>child.<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tglowing orbit was her early term, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tYears
\n\t\t\t\tlike gold raiment of the gods that pass, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHer
\n\t\t\t\tyouth sat throned in calm felicity. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tBut<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\tjoy cannot
\n\t\t\t\tendure until the end: <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThere
\n\t\t\t\tis a darkness in terrestrial things<\/P><\/p>\n

That will not suffer long
\n\t\t\t\ttoo glad a note.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

On her too closed the inescapable Hand: <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThe
\n\t\t\t\tarmed Immortal bore the snare of Time.<\/P><\/p>\n

One dealt with her who
\n\t\t\t\tmeets the burdened great.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Assigner of the ordeal and the
\n\t\t\t\tpath<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Who chooses in this holocaust of the soul<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Death, fall
\n\t\t\t\tand sorrow as the spirit’s goads,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The dubious godhead with his
\n\t\t\t\ttorch of pain<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Lit up the chasm of the unfinished world<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\n\t\t\t\tcalled her to fill with her vast self the abyss.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

August and
\n\t\t\t\tpitiless in his calm outlook,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Heightening the Eternal’s
\n\t\t\t\tdreadful strategy,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

He measured the difficulty with the
\n\t\t\t\tmight<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And dug more deep the gulf that all must
\n\t\t\t\tcross.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Assailing her divinest elements,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

He made her heart
\n\t\t\t\tkin to the striving human heart<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And forced her strength to its
\n\t\t\t\tappointed road.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

For this she had accepted mortal breath;<\/FONT><\/p>\n

<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tPage
\n\t\t\t\t17<\/SPAN><\/FONT><\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tTo<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\twrestle with the
\n\t\t\t\tShadow she had come<\/P><\/p>\n

And must confront the riddle of man’s
\n\t\t\t\tbirth<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And life’s brief struggle in dumb Matter’s
\n\t\t\t\tnight.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Whether to bear with Ignorance and Death<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Or hew the
\n\t\t\t\tways of Immortality,<\/p>\n

<\/FONT><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\twin or<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\tlose the godlike
\n\t\t\t\tgame for man,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Was her soul’s issue thrown with Destiny’s dice.
\n\t\t\t\t<\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tBut
\n\t\t\t\tnot to submit and suffer was she born,<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tTo
\n\t\t\t\tlead, to deliver was her glorious part. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHere
\n\t\t\t\twas no fabric of terrestrial make <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tFit
\n\t\t\t\tfor a day’s use by busy careless Powers. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAn
\n\t\t\t\timage fluttering on the screen of fate <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHalf-animated
\n\t\t\t\tfor a passing show,<\/P><\/FONT><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\tOr<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/b>
\n\t\t\t\ta castaway on
\n\t\t\t\tthe ocean of Desire<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Flung to the eddies in a ruthless
\n\t\t\t\tsport<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And tossed along the gulfs of Circumstance,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A
\n\t\t\t\tcreature born to bend beneath the yoke,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A chattel and a
\n\t\t\t\tplaything of Time’s lords,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/FONT><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\tOr<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\tone more pawn
\n\t\t\t\twho comes destined to be pushed <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tOne
\n\t\t\t\tslow move forward on a measureless board<\/P><\/p>\n

In the chess-play of
\n\t\t\t\tthe earth-soul with Doom,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Such
\n\t\t\t\tis the human figure drawn by Time.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A conscious frame was here,
\n\t\t\t\ta self-born Force.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

In this enigma of the dusk of God,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

This
\n\t\t\t\tslow and strange uneasy compromise<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Of limiting Nature with a
\n\t\t\t\tlimitless Soul,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Where all must move between an ordered
\n\t\t\t\tChance<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And an uncaring blind Necessity,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Too high the fire
\n\t\t\t\tspiritual dare not blaze.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

If once it met the intense original
\n\t\t\t\tFlame,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

An answering touch might shatter all measures made<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\n\t\t\t\tearth sink down with the weight of the Infinite. <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tgaol is this immense material world.<\/P><\/p>\n

Across each road stands
\n\t\t\t\tarmed a stone-eyed law,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

At every gate the huge dim sentinels
\n\t\t\t\tpace.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A grey tribunal of the Ignorance,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

An Inquisition of
\n\t\t\t\tthe priests of Night<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

In judgment sit on the adventurer
\n\t\t\t\tsoul,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And the dual tables and the Karmic norm<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Restrain<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\tthe Titan in us
\n\t\t\t\tand the God<\/FONT><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tPage
\n\t\t\t\t18<\/SPAN><\/FONT><\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tPain<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\twith its lash,
\n\t\t\t\tjoy with its silver bribe<\/P><\/p>\n

Guard
\n\t\t\t\tthe Wheel’s circling immobility,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A bond is put on the high
\n\t\t\t\tclimbing mind,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A seal on the too large wide-open heart; <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tDeath
\n\t\t\t\tstays the journeying discoverer. Life.<\/P><\/p>\n

Thus is the throne of
\n\t\t\t\tthe Inconscient safe<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

While the tardy ceilings of the aeons
\n\t\t\t\tpass<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And the Animal browses in the sacred fence<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And the
\n\t\t\t\tgold Hawk can cross the skies no more.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

But one stood up and
\n\t\t\t\tlit the limitless flame.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Arraigned by the dark Power that
\n\t\t\t\thates all bliss<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

In the dire court where life must pay for
\n\t\t\t\tjoy,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Sentenced by the mechanic justicer<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

To the afflicting
\n\t\t\t\tpenalty of man’s hopes,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Her head she bowed not to the stark
\n\t\t\t\tdecree<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Baring her helpless heart to destiny’s stroke.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

So
\n\t\t\t\tbows and must the mind-born will in man<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Obedient to the
\n\t\t\t\tstatutes fixed of old,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Admitting without appeal the nether
\n\t\t\t\tgods.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

In her the superhuman cast its seed.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Inapt to fold
\n\t\t\t\tits mighty wings of dream<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Her spirit refused to hug the common
\n\t\t\t\tsoil,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Or, finding all life’s golden meanings robbed,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Compound
\n\t\t\t\twith earth, struck from the starry list,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Or quench with black
\n\t\t\t\tdespair the God-given light.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Accustomed to the eternal and the
\n\t\t\t\ttrue,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Her being conscious of its divine founts<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Asked not
\n\t\t\t\tfrom mortal frailty pain’s relief,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Patched not with failure
\n\t\t\t\tbargain or compromise.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A work she had to do, a word to speak; <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tWriting
\n\t\t\t\tthe unfinished story of her soul <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tIn<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\tthoughts and
\n\t\t\t\tactions graved in Nature’s book, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tShe
\n\t\t\t\taccepted not to close the luminous page, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tCancel
\n\t\t\t\ther commerce with eternity, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tOr<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\tset a signature
\n\t\t\t\tof weak assent <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tTo
\n\t\t\t\tthe brute balance of the world’s exchange. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tforce in her that toiled since earth was made, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAccomplishing
\n\t\t\t\tin life the great world-plan, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tPursuing
\n\t\t\t\tafter death immortal aims, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tRepugned
\n\t\t\t\tto admit frustration’s barren role, <\/FONT>  <\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tPage
\n\t\t\t\t 19<\/SPAN><\/FONT><\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tForfeit
\n\t\t\t\tthe meaning of her birth in Time, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tObey
\n\t\t\t\tthe government of the casual fact <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tOr<\/I><\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\tyield her high
\n\t\t\t\tdestiny up to passing Chance. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tIn
\n\t\t\t\ther own self she found her high recourse, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tShe
\n\t\t\t\tmatched with the iron law her sovereign right: <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHer
\n\t\t\t\tsingle will opposed the cosmic rule.<\/P><\/p>\n

To stay the wheels of
\n\t\t\t\tDoom this greatness rose.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

At the Unseen’s knock upon the
\n\t\t\t\thidden gates<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Her strength made greater by the lightning’s
\n\t\t\t\ttouch<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Awoke from slumber in her heart’s recess.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

It bore the
\n\t\t\t\tstroke of That; which kills and saves.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Across the awful march
\n\t\t\t\tno eye can see,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Barring its dreadful route no will can
\n\t\t\t\tchange,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

She faced the engines of the universe; <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\theart stood in the way of the driving wheels: <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tIts
\n\t\t\t\tgiant workings paused in front of a mind,<\/P><\/p>\n

Its stark
\n\t\t\t\tconventions met the flame of a soul.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A magic leverage suddenly
\n\t\t\t\tis caught<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

That moves the veiled Ineffable’s timeless will: <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tprayer, a master act, a king idea <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tCan
\n\t\t\t\tlink man’s strength to a transcendent Force. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThen
\n\t\t\t\tmiracle is made the common rule, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tOne
\n\t\t\t\tmighty deed can change the course of
\n\t\t\t\tthings,<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tlonely thought becomes omnipotent. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAll
\n\t\t\t\tnow seems Nature’s massed machinery; <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAn
\n\t\t\t\tendless servitude to material rule<\/P><\/p>\n

And long determination’s
\n\t\t\t\trigid chain,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Her firm and changeless habits aping Law,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Her
\n\t\t\t\tempire of unconscious deft device<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Annul the claim of man’s
\n\t\t\t\tfree human will.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

He too is a machine amid machines; <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tpiston brain pumps out the shapes of thought,<\/P><\/p>\n

A beating heart
\n\t\t\t\tcuts out emotion’s modes; <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tAn
\n\t\t\t\tinsentient energy fabricates a soul. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tOr
\n\t\t\t\tthe figure of the world reveals the signs <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tOf <\/B>a<\/FONT> tied
\n\t\t\t\tChance repeating her old steps <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tIn
\n\t\t\t\tcircles around Matter’s binding-posts. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\trandom series of inept events <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tTo
\n\t\t\t\twhich reason lends illusive sense, is here, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tOr<\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/b>
\n\t\t\t\tthe empiric
\n\t\t\t\tLife’s instinctive search,<\/FONT><\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tPage
\n\t\t\t\t20<\/SPAN><\/FONT><\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tOr <\/B>a<\/FONT> vast
\n\t\t\t\tignorant mind’s colossal work.<\/P><\/p>\n

But wisdom comes, and vision
\n\t\t\t\tgrows within; <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThen
\n\t\t\t\tNature’s instrument crowns himself her king; <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHe<\/FONT> <\/b>
\n\t\t\t\tfeels his
\n\t\t\t\twitnessing self and conscious power; <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tHis
\n\t\t\t\tsoul steps back and sees the Light supreme.<\/P><\/p>\n

A Godhead stands
\n\t\t\t\tbehind the brute machine.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

This truth broke in in a triumph of
\n\t\t\t\tfire; <\/FONT>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tvictory was won for God in man, <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThe<\/FONT> <\/b>
\n\t\t\t\tdeity revealed
\n\t\t\t\tits hidden face. <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tThe
\n\t\t\t\tgreat World-Mother now in her arose: <\/FONT>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tA
\n\t\t\t\tliving choice reversed fate’s cold dead turn,<\/P><\/p>\n

Affirmed the
\n\t\t\t\tspirit’s tread on Circumstance,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Pressed back the senseless
\n\t\t\t\tdire revolving Wheel<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And stopped the mute march of
\n\t\t\t\tNecessity.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A flaming warrior from the eternal peaks<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Empowered
\n\t\t\t\tto force the door denied and closed<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Smote from Death’s visage
\n\t\t\t\tits dumb absolute<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And burst the bounds of consciousness and
\n\t\t\t\tTime.<\/B><\/FONT> <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/P>
\n\t\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\tPage
\n\t\t\t\t21<\/SPAN><\/FONT><\/P>
\n\t\t\t<\/TD>
\n\t\t\t


\n\t\t\t\t

 <\/P>
\n\t\t\t<\/TD>
\n\t\t<\/TR>
\n\t<\/TABLE><\/p>\n

 <\/P><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

CANTO TWO   THE ISSUE     A WHILE, withdrawn in secret fields of thought, Her mind moved in a many-imaged past That lived again…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[77],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3386","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-01-savitri-1950","wpcat-77-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3386","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3386"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3386\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3386"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3386"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3386"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}