V.R. 1819-1901 A Reverie by Thomas Hardy Lyrics

Moments the mightiest pass uncalendared,
        And when the Absolute
In backward Time outgave the deedful word
        Whereby all life is stirred:
"Let one be born and throned whose mould shall constitute
The norm of every royal-reckoned attribute,"
        No mortal knew or heard.
But in due days the purposed Life outshone -
        Serene, sagacious, free;
—Her waxing seasons bloomed with deeds well done,
        And the world's heart was won . . .
Yet may the deed of hers most bright in eyes to be
Lie hid from ours—as in the All-One's thought lay she -
        Till ripening years have run.

SUNDAY NIGHT, 27th January 1901.