John Ruskin.
He served not lower gods : with pure desire1
And patient ardour seeking the Most High ;2
And found Him in the mountains and the sky,3
And in man’s powers ; and felt His Spirit like fire4
Descend upon him where he stood, none higher,5
On the great Mount of Vision. Stones, to his eye,6
Were flaming jewels in God’s high sanctuary,7
And wayside flowers, angels in rapturous choir.8
The century dies with him, its loveliest light,9
The century dies with him, its noblest voice ;10
Who taught men best what things to love and hate,11
Who saw things none beheld, with clearest sight ;12
Whose heart was fiercest, most compassionate,13
Whose wisdom was to worship and rejoice.14