Eureka

I RAN through a garden of roses at morning,Uncaring the whither or why,When, sudden as light, came a musical warning-,Thrilling over my heart like a sigh."Seek! seek!"one low word, and there followed no other:—I gathered a white lily-bell;A doveling I caught, newly left by its mother;I stooped for a pebble, a shell.But just as a joyous "Eureka!" replied,My dove flew away, and my white lily died;My pebble and shell lost the light of the wave,And "I have not found," was the answer I gave.

Then outward I sally, a fearless crusader,With "Seek" for a herald and guide.On Error's dominions I march, an invader;Green laurels the promise of Pride.Impatient Goliath is striding to battle;My foes are but pygmies to-day;"Eureka!" I shout, while the war-thunders rattle,—The victor rides forth from the fray."Eureka!" why falters my tongue at the word?Chimæra yields not to a mortal's dull sword.Lo, giants arise from the blood of the slain!Alike were the search and the struggle in vain.

Now bring my good staff, for the pilgrim sees yonderA Mecca, an altar of rest.Beside that calm shrine I will seat me and ponder,And be in my solitude blest.There Peace shall bend over me, Peace, the white angelAnd Love, with her warm brooding wings.Eureka! I hear it—a soothing evangel—'Tis gentle Reflection that sings.Still cheated! Ixion still grasps at a cloud.The white robe of Peace,—it is only a shroud!My Mecca I leave; all in vain have I soughtThe garden, the battle, the shrine; —they are naught

Now pausing, a wanderer restless yet weary,"Seek! seek!" how it sounds, like a moan!Ah, where? for around all is barren and dreary;Beyond lies the dread, the unknown.And upward—O, joy! what a glory is breaking!Why looked I not upward before?My soul like a planet in sunlight is waking,To suffer eclipse nevermore.Eureka! all dazzled with splendor I stand;Light upward and inward, a Father at hand,A crown overhead that erelong I shall win;—Eureka! the Kingdom of God is within!