Across the brook of Time man leaping goes br On stepping-stones of epochs, that uprise br Fixed, memorable, midst broad shallow flows br Of neutrals, kill-times, sleeps, indifferencies. br So twixt each morn and night rise salient heaps: br Some cross with but a zigzag, jaded pace br From meal to meal: some with convulsive leaps br Shake the green tussocks of malign disgrace: br And some advance by system and deep art br O'er vantages of wealth, place, learning, tact. br But thou within thyself, dear manifold heart, br Dost bind all epochs in one dainty Fact.