But other stars there are, the planets, seven, beside; And unto men from them nor good, nor ills betide. 15 Revolving in another firmament than they, Above the spheres that bear the orbs of night and day. Bright through the moral splendour lent them by the Lord; Not bound together quite, nor yet in disaccord. The man whose soul is influenced by one of those, Like meteors, still shall drive away the spirit’s foes. His disposition feeleth not the rage of Mars; He temporises;--meekly acts in prosperous wars. His light’s triumphant;--darkness it shall never know. Between two fingers holdeth he the truth, I trow. 20 The truth doth shed a shining light on human souls, Received by heaven’s favourites, in special ghostly strolls. Illumined with that light, as spangles deck a bride, They turn their souls to God, contemning all beside. Who feels not keenly love’s great soul-compelling might, Is portionless of spangles from truth’s flashing light. All _parts_ must ever share the nature of their _whole_, As nightingale pours out unto one rose its soul. Whatever _property_ may qualify a _thing_ Externally, man’s qualities are mind’s offspring. 25 From purity, rich colours rise, good qualities; Stains,--moral, or as dyes,--from gross impurities. “_God’s Baptism_” is the name of all that’s good in man; “_The curse of God_,” of all that’s evil in our plan.[124] In which of these two seas our streamlets may subside, They but return into the source from whence their tide. From mountain-tops, swift torrents rushing down apace. From men’s frames, love-inspired souls, anon the race. The counsel hear, that now, this Jewish dog did take. Beside a fire a hideous idol he did make, 30 And proclamation ran: “Whoever ’d save his soul, This idol worships; or in fire he’s burnt to coal.”[125] Thus having made his hate an idol to himself, A second idol straightway he invents, this elf. The mother of all idols is our fleshly pride. They’re dragons; this, the egg of cockatrice’s bride. The flesh is flint and steel; our pride is but its spark. That pride pervades the flesh as fecundation’s mark. Can moisture quench the latent spark in flint and steel? Can man be safe while flesh and pride he lives to feel; 35 In flint and steel we know that fire is still alive. No water’s of avail that fire from them to drive. With water we put out a fire when burning bright; The spark in flint and steel is safe from water’s might.