Threading a darksome passage all alone, br The taper's flame, by envious current blown, br Crouched low, and eddied round, as in affright, br So challenged by the vast and hostile night, br Then down I held the taper; -- swift and fain br Up climbed the lovely flower of light again! br br Thou Kindler of the spark of life divine, br Be henceforth the Inverted Torch a sign br That, though the flame beloved thou dost depress, br Thou wilt not speed it into nothingness; br But out of nether gloom wilt reinspire, br And homeward lift the keen empyreal fire!br br Edith Matilda Thomasbr br