What though the Accused, upon his own appeal To righteous Gods when man has ceased to feel, Or at a doubting Judge's stern command, Before the STONE OF POWER no longer stand-- To take his sentence from the balanced Block, 5 As, at his touch, it rocks, or seems to rock;[619] Though, in the depths of sunless groves, no more The Druid-priest the hallowed Oak adore; Yet, for the Initiate, rocks and whispering trees Do still perform mysterious offices! 10 And functions dwell in beast and bird that sway The reasoning mind, or with the fancy play, Inviting, at all seasons, ears and eyes To watch for undelusive auguries:--[620] Not uninspired appear their simplest ways; 15 Their voices mount symbolical of praise-- To mix with hymns that Spirits make and hear; And to fallen man their innocence is dear. Enraptured Art draws from those sacred springs Streams that reflect the poetry of things! 20 Where christian Martyrs stand in hues portrayed, That, might a wish avail, would never fade, Borne in their hands the lily and the palm Shed round the altar a celestial calm; There, too, behold the lamb and guileless dove 25 Prest in the tenderness of virgin love To saintly bosoms!--Glorious in the blending Of right affections climbing or descending Along a scale of light and life, with cares Alternate; carrying holy thoughts and prayers 30 Up to the sovereign seat of the Most High; Descending to the worm in charity;[621] Like those good Angels whom a dream of night Gave, in the field of Luz, to Jacob's sight[622] All, while _he_ slept, treading the pendent stairs 35 Earthward or heavenward, radiant messengers, That, with a perfect will in one accord Of strict obedience, serve[623] the Almighty Lord; And with untired humility forbore To speed their errand by[624] the wings they wore. 40