quote · Legacy record
If, when the Lord of Glory was in sight, Thou turn thy back upon that fountain clear, To bow before the “little drop of light” Which dim-eyed men call praise and glory here: What dost thou, but adore the sun, and scorn Him at whose only word both sun and stars were born? If while around the gales from Eden breathe, Thou hide thine eyes, to make thy peevish moan Over some broken reed of earth beneath, Some darling of blind fancy, dead and gone, As wisely might’st thou in Jehovah’s fane Offer thy love and tears to Thammuz slain. Turn thee from these, or dare not to inquire Of Him whose name is Jealous, lest in wrath, He hear and answer thine unblest desire: Far better we should cross His lightning’s path, Than be according to our idols heard, And God should take us at our vain word.
If, when the Lord of Glory was in sight, Thou turn thy back upon that fountain clear, To bow before the “little drop of light” Which dim-eyed men call praise and glory here: What dost thou, but adore the sun, and scorn Him at whose only word both sun and stars were born? If while around the gales from Eden breathe, Thou hide thine eyes, to make thy peevish moan Over some broken reed of earth beneath, Some darling of blind fancy, dead and gone, As wisely might’st thou in Jehovah’s fane Offer thy love and tears to Thammuz slain. Turn thee from these, or dare not to inquire Of Him whose name is Jealous, lest in wrath, He hear and answer thine unblest desire: Far better we should cross His lightning’s path, Than be according to our idols heard, And God should take us at our vain word.
In print by 1888 AD · industrial
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Meaning not yet available
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Begin with source-checked readings and explanations ↗Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Keble (identity unresolved)
Attribution: unknown - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- In print by 1888 AD · industrial
In print by 1888: recorded in A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888) (1888 AD)
Page 316 · printed citation: Keble · subject: IDOLATRY
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.