The Chain 65 



THE CHAIN 



This is the chain that binds the world 



In endless sequence, life in life ; 

 This coil, inextricably curled, 



Draws soul and sense to ceaseless strife ; 

 These fatal links, untiring whirled, 



Enclose a penance without strife ; 

 These golden gleaming bands unfurled 



Display a growth with canker rife; 

 What is this chain, this coil, these bands, 



And what the danger of their spell, 

 The evil of their mystic grasp ? 



Let him then answer whose weak hands 

 Their power in vain essayed to quell, 



In vain essayed to loose their clasp ! 



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