Essays, Second Series
by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Character
The sun set; but set not his hope: Stars rose; his faith was earlier up: Fixed on the enormous galaxy, Deeper and older seemed his eye: And matched his sufferance sublime The taciturnity of time. He spoke, and words more soft than rain Brought the Age of Gold again: His action won such reverence sweet, As hid all measure of the feat. Work of his hand He nor commends nor grieves Pleads for itself the fact; As unrepenting Nature leaves Her every act.