Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.
Isabella Valancey Crawford b. c.185787The Axe
H
And all was silent in the wilderness;
In trance of stillness Nature heard her God
Rebuilding her spent fires, and veiled her face
While the Great Worker brooded o’er His work.
What doth thy bold voice promise me?”
That furnish forth the lives of kings!
Cities and palaces shall grow!”
Tell wider prophecies to me.”
A nation strong shall lift his head.
Æons shall build him in his might!”
Bright Seer, help on thy prophecy!”
“See, friend,” he cried to one that looked and smiled,
“My axe and I—we do immortal tasks—
We build up nations—this my axe and I!”