Vulcan.

From the darksome earth-mine lifted,
    From the clay and from the rock
    Loosen'd out with many a shock;
Slowly from the clay-dross sifted,
    Molten in the fire bright-burning,
    Ever purer, whiter turning--
Ho! the anvil, cool and steady,
For the soften'd rod make ready!

Blow, thou wind, upon the flame,
    Raise it ever higher, hotter,
    Till, like clay before the potter,
Soft become the iron frame,
    Bending at the worker's will,
    All his purpose to fulfil--
Ho! the fire-purged rod is ready
For the anvil, cool and steady!

At each stroke the sparks fly brightly
    Upward from the glowing mass;
    Hail! the stroke that makes them pass,
Fall it heavy, fall it lightly!
    Now the stubborn strength bends humbly,
    To the Master yielding dumbly;
From the metal, purged and glowing,
Forms of freest grace are flowing.

Wield thine hammer well, strong arm!
    Strength to Beauty [*] wedded brings
    Glory out of rudest things,
    Facts from mere imaginings;
Strike from steel its hidden charm!
    Little reck the rocks the blow
    That makes the living water flow;
Little recks man's soul the rod
That scourges it through tears to God.

Walter R. Cassels

Walter R. Cassels was a British poet and author primarily known for his collection of religious poetry, "Supernatural Religion" published in the late 19th century. Though the work was initially published anonymously, it sparked considerable controversy and debate over its skeptical views on Christianity and the supernatural. Cassels' style is marked by thought-provoking themes and meticulous craftsmanship, placing him among notable literary figures of his time.

Walter R. Cassels

Hebe.

Walter R. Cassels, Simple Poetry

Sonnet. Datur Hora Quieti.

Walter R. Cassels, Simple Poetry

The Land's End.

Walter R. Cassels, Simple Poetry

The Dark River.

Walter R. Cassels, Simple Poetry

English

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I

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Not yet hast Thou spoken
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Lola Ridge

That Nature is Not Subject to Decay.

Ah, how the Human Mind wearies herself
With her own wand'rings, and, involved in gloom
Impenetrable, speculates amiss!
Measuring, in her folly, things divine
By human, laws inscrib'd on adamant
By laws of Man's device, and counsels fix'd
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    I

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