O Knowledge! Thou, in vestments plain and white Art deceptively appareled, for deep Runs the well of thy treasures; human sight Cannot fathom the depth of such wealth. Leap Into her pasture, poor searcher! Her sheep Are ne’er shepherded awry; you will find Her embrace the true fortune of the mind.
O Knowledge! Vision to a brain born blind! O Sweet sight intellectual! I’ll praise Thee, who alone art so gracious, so kind As to seek out poverty so to raise Up the poor captive from the witless maze With gifts abounding, though unseen. I’ll sing Thee, who in false silence makes truth to ring!
O Knowledge! Do thou my petition grant, And come, my pauperdom to richly bless, Break up the noisesome dark with thy fair chant! O consoling balm to ignorant stress, Thy seal upon our anxious minds impress; For when the glass of our wits seems filled up, Thy divine outpouring deepens the cup.