Ay, and the spirit-broken youth at home,
The awe- struck altar-ministrant, shall make
Amends for faith now palsied at the source,
Shall see truth yet triumphant, justice yet
A victor in the battle of this world!
Give me—for last, best gift, my son again,
Whom law makes mine,—I take him at your word,
Mine be he, by miraculous mercy, lords!
Let me lift up his youth and innocence
To purify my palace, room by room (2030)
Purged of the memories, lend from his bright brow
Light to the old proud paladin my sire
Shrunk now for shame into the darkest shade
O’ the tapestry, showed him once and shrouds him now!
Then may we,—strong from that rekindled smile,—
Go forward, face new times, the better day.
And when, in times made better through your brave
Decision now,—might but Utopia be!—
Rome rife with honest women and strong men,
Manners reformed, old habits back once more, (2040)
Customs that recognise the standard worth,—
The wholesome household rule in force again,
Husbands once more God’s representative,
Wives like the typical Spouse once more, and Priests
No longer men of Belial, with no aim
At leading silly women captive, but
Of rising to such duties as yours now,—
Then will I set my son at my right hand
And tell his father’s story to this point,
Adding “The task seemed superhuman, still (2050)
“I dared and did it, trusting God and law:
“And they approved of me: give praise to both!”
And if, for answer, he shall stoop to kiss
My hand, and peradventure start thereat,—
I engage to smile “That was an accident
“I’ the necessary process,—just a trip
“O’ the torture-irons in their search for truth,—
“Hardly misfortune, and no fault at all.”
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