IV.

So, through the day, had flowed the river’s song, So borne the stream its burden of strong life Spite of its troubled waters’ windy strife— Heaven in its breast—and, as it sped along, Bearing its loyal service to the sea, Praising the stones that gave it voice to sing, With constant sweetness, whose soft murmuring, Unwearying ever in its melody, Was hidden in life’s song that filled the day With chords confused of labor manifold. Only with evening’s peaceful skies of gold Came the lost music of the river’s lay— Like some brave life whose sweetness but is known When holy silence doth world-sounds dethrone.

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PAPAL ELECTIONS.