THE ROAD TO AVERNUS 



Worlds on worlds in myriads glisten — larger, 

 lovelier than our own — 



This has been, and this shall still be, here as 

 there, in sun or star ; 



These things are to be and will be, those things 

 were to be and are. 



Man in man's imperfect nature is by imperfec- 

 tion taught : 



Add one cubit to your stature if you can by 

 taking thought. 



Laurence : 



Thus you would not teach that peasant, though 

 he calls you " father." 



Melchior : True, 



I should magnify this present, mystify that 



future, too — 

 We adapt our conversation always to our 



hearer's light. 



Laurence : 



I am not of your persuasion. 



Melchior : 



Yet the difference is but slight. 

 219 



