My dearest one: tell me,

inimical to study so they saidthey played this gameto while away the timebetween learning and authorityin that Jesuit collegein the early 1600s:blindfolded or simply shut-eye and don’t cheatyou turn the pages of the Latin dictionary at randomand stick a pin, in turn, upon a random word;the first to make a sentencein the fewest rounds, the…

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the splendour in the human race;the splendour of the rain, the seas;the splendour which is God in gods;with that same splendour, make me splendid, Lord..*from the RgVeda

I see there beauty, truth and goodness; allas one; the radiance of an inner light.But I who, standing, gaze though windows here:what does my own soul see by its own light?Is what is seen, seen through dark glass, or clear?Is others’ radiance that of my own sight?Strange fact: the outward play’s less bright, less clearthan…

Not this year: first it came too early,then thought better of it: a nip of proper winter firstwould strengthen human gratitude, thought Spring…Now it’s trying again, reminded perhapsthat all this Easter stuff is due; and markets must recover…the sunlight curves into that yard or tooof sheltered space in the garden whereI dare to sit, five…

for if they read the heavens’ portents so well,what need of proof; of presence at the scene?And then, to go without due retinuethrough unforgiving deserts, foreign towns,and forests hiding thieves – and wild beasts too?And carrying rich gifts? And worse – their crowns!And so, to risk three kingdoms, not just one?And this, for sake of…