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Van Dyke, Henry, 1852-1933

"The Poems of Henry Van Dyke"

There is no other God
In all the world.
ELISHA:
Thou needst not
This load of earth to build a shrine for Him;
Yet take it if thou wilt. But be assured
God's altar is in every loyal heart,
And every flame of love that kindles there
Ascends to Him and brightens with His praise.
There is no other God! But evil Powers
Make war against Him in the darkened world;
And many temples have been built to them.
NAAMAN:
I know them well! Yet when my master goes
To worship in the House of Rimmon, I
Must enter with him; for he trusts me, leans
Upon my hand; and when he bows himself
I cannot help but make obeisance too,--
But not to Rimmon! To my country's King
I'll bow in love and honour. Will the Lord
Pardon thy servant in this thing?
ELISHA:
My son,
Peace has been granted thee. 'Tis thine to find
The only way to keep it. Go in peace.
NAAMAN:
Thou hast not answered me,--may I bow down?
ELISHA:
The answer must be thine. The heart that knows
The perfect peace of gratitude and love,
Walks in the light and needs no other rule.


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