To Dr. James Hyslop

Through that vast vale, black, pitlike,
Wouldst thou hold a taper?
Wouldst thou lend thy hand to them who seek?
Is that yearning born of truth,
Eating thy heart in hungry anticipation,
That thou shouldst leave a beacon on the sands?
Dost thou behold the regal barque of day
Floating on the sea of Eternity-
And no beacon, no light, no chart?
In benediction do I bow before thee!