GENIUS.

———

BY HELEN IRVING.

———

In the sacred Hindoo Vega, is the sweet tradition found,

That while the waste of waters yet girt the new earth round,

Blooming out beneath the whisper of the great Almighty Power,

On the gloomy flood there floated, one lonely lotus-flower.

And within its crystal chalice, a frail, but heaven-blest shrine,

Was placed a spirit gifted with creative power divine,

Its celestial radiance making that lily-temple bright,

And through its pure leaves shedding on the wave a halo-light.

Filled with yearning was the spirit, dimly conscious of its power,

Feeling, yet not comprehending, all its grand and god-like dower;

Glowing with the joy and beauty of a soft supernal fire,

While his white wings restless quivered, with a seraph-like desire.

And his dreams and aspirations slowly took the form of prayer,

Wrestling till the blessing-answer, softly sounded through the air —

“Labor, for to thee is given, dower and destiny divine;

Labor, till the fire within thee, warmeth other hearts than thine!”

And with ceaseless, strong endeavor, wrought the spirit hour by hour,

Humbly looking up for guidance, to the Source of all his power,

Till in place of gloom and darkness, rosy light about him lay,

And dim forms of radiant beauty, seemed to throng around his way.

Forms of glory and of grandeur, and of fair immortal youth,

On his raptured vision shining, in the purity of truth,

Breathing love and throbbing life—life divine which he had given,

To his glowing spirit linking them, and thus through him to Heaven!