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Nicholson & Lee, eds. The Oxford Book of English Mystical Verse. 1917.

Agnes Mary Frances Duclaux (Robinson-Darmesteter) (1857–1944)

233. Rhythm

O BEAT and pause that count the life of man,

Throb of the pulsing heart!

Ripple of tides and stars beyond our scan!

Rhythm o’ the ray o’ the sun and the red o’ the rose!

Thrill of the lightning’s dart!

All, all are one beyond this world of shows.

Neither with eyes that see nor ears that hear

May we discern thee here,

Nor comprehend, O Life of life, thy laws,

But all our idols praise the perfect whole;

And I have worshipped thee, O rhythmic soul,

Chiefly in beat and pause.

O beat and pause that count the life of man,

Throb of the pulsing heart!

Ripple of tides and stars beyond our scan!

Rhythm o’ the ray o’ the sun and the red o’ the rose!

Thrill of the lightning’s dart!

Yea, all are one behind our world of shows.