22.04.2012, 08:17
Louvain
Are they of hell alone, the flames that flare
O'er the dear city? Is there nought but woe
And horror in the scene their breakers show?
Or see we not across the leaping glare
Bright presences of God, and visions fair
Our eyes had known in darkness long ago
But lost in peace's day-light, till the glow
Of Louvain flung them on the mystic air?
Now as of old the might of sovereign wrong
Hath caught the world, and tried her heart with flame,
And purged her eyes of sloth, her will of fear,
Till from the trial she rises bright and strong
To wrest her being from the grip of shame
And walk again with love and mercy dear.
Are they of hell alone, the flames that flare
O'er the dear city? Is there nought but woe
And horror in the scene their breakers show?
Or see we not across the leaping glare
Bright presences of God, and visions fair
Our eyes had known in darkness long ago
But lost in peace's day-light, till the glow
Of Louvain flung them on the mystic air?
Now as of old the might of sovereign wrong
Hath caught the world, and tried her heart with flame,
And purged her eyes of sloth, her will of fear,
Till from the trial she rises bright and strong
To wrest her being from the grip of shame
And walk again with love and mercy dear.