The Dynasts by Thomas Hardy
page 65 of 1016 (06%)
page 65 of 1016 (06%)
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If each decision work unconsciously,
And would be operant though unloosened were A single lip! SPIRIT OF RUMOUR There may react on things Some influence from these, indefinitely, And even on That, whose outcome we all are. SPIRIT OF THE YEARS Hypotheses!--More boots it to remind The younger here of our ethereal band And hierarchy of Intelligences, That this thwart Parliament whose moods we watch-- So insular, empiric, un-ideal-- May figure forth in sharp and salient lines To retrospective eyes of afterdays, And print its legend large on History. For one cause--if I read the signs aright-- To-night's appearance of its Minister In the assembly of his long-time sway Is near his last, and themes to-night launched forth Will take a tincture from that memory, When me recall the scene and circumstance That hung about his pleadings.--But no more; The ritual of each party is rehearsed, |
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