Frederick William Faber - Nicias lyrics

Nursling of heathen fear! thy woful being, Was steeped in gentleness by long disease, Though round thine awestruck mind were ever fleeing Omens, and signs, and direful presages. One might believe in frames so gently stern Some Christian thoughts before their time did burn. Sadness was unto thee for love; thy spirit Rose loftily like some hard-featured stone, Which summer sunbeam never makes its throne, E'en while it fills the skirts of vapour near it. One wert thou, Nicias! of the few who urge Their stricken souls where far-seen d**h doth hover In vision on them, nor may they diverge From the black line his chilling shadows cover.