Our Fathers Also

1 
Thrones, Powers, Dominions, Peoples, Kings.
Are changing ’neath our hand.
Our fathers also see these things
But they do not understand. 
2 
By—they are by with mirth and tears,
Wit or the works of Desire—
Cushioned about on the kindly years
Between the wall and the fire. 
3 
The grapes are pressed, the corn is shocked
Standeth no more to glean;
For the Gates of Love and Learning locked
When they went out between. 
4 
All lore our Lady Venus bares,
Signalled it was or told
By the dear lips long given to theirs
And longer to the mould. 
5 
All Profit, all Device, all Truth
Written it was or said
By the mighty men of their mighty youth,
Which is mighty being dead. 
6 
The film that floats before their eyes
The Temple’s Veil they call;
And the dust that on the Shewbread lies
Is holy over all. 
7 
Warn them of seas that slip our yoke
Of slow-conspiring stars—
The ancient Front of Things unbroke
But heavy with new wars? 
8 
By—they are by with mirth and tears,
Wit or the waste of Desire—
Cushioned about on the kindly years
Between the wall and the fire!

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