Thus spake that new-converted warrior in surprise; Expressing wonder, such as words may symbolise. Then added: “O! Command, of Faithful Church thou Prince.[414] That as a babe a spirit new I may evince.” The planets seven o’er every unborn babe keep watch, Each for a stated period, ere its birth’s despatch. 55 When life’s infused into the nascent atom’s form, The sun takes charge, as watcher o’er the feeble worm. The babe its life derives from Sol’s all-quickening rays. That radiant orb’s the fount of life’s all-wondrous ways. The other planets help to modify its limbs; Each, when the sun has life infused, then onward climbs. What is the channel of connection with the sun, Discovered in the womb by fœtus ere’t can run? Deep-hidden from our senses, many an occult road Leads to the sun in heaven, and needs nor whip, nor goad. 60 One road, by which gold draws its nutriment from thence; Another, whence the ruby’s colour grows intense. A road, by which the garnet gathers igneous glow; A path, pursued by lightning to the horseshoe low. A channel, through which fruits their ripeness draw, select; A track, for wit to flow, and senseless form inject. “Declare, thou falcon, with thy glistening plumage, bright,— Our chief’s companion, on his gauntlet sitting, light;— Make known, thou phœnix-hunting bird of prey,— Thou conqueror of foes,--sole,--clear of troops’ array. 65 A nation in its millions, one sole man art thou. Speak! Speak! I cast myself upon thy mercy now! Instead of anger, what has moved thee to relent,— To proffer to a foe forgiveness transcendent?”