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I Have chosen an "adventurous" theme, - the philosophy of the

great passion, an analysis of the primary laws of marriage, and

an examination and comparison of antagonistic systems of social

life. -

  

  

  

   "Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme.

  

  

  

   And chiefly thou, O Spirit, that dost prefer

Before all temples th' upright heart and pure,

Instruct me, for thou know'st: thou from the first

Wast present, and, with mighty wings outspread,

Dove-like sat'st brooding on the vast abyss,

And mad'st it pregnant. What in me is dark,

Illumine! what is low, raise and support!

That to the height of this great argument

I may assert eternal providence,

And justify the ways of God to men."