Building the Library, Tokyo University

                 Night Scene



   Like men of fire, in painful night,

     The Eastern builders thud

   Their iron round; wild bubbles of light

     From Babel's angles scud.



   The hammer's fierce brain-battering shout

     In burst of power rebels,

   Puts unheard melodies to rout,

     Drowns heaven's songs and bells.



   And yet it serves their quiet will,

     And builds them one more home

   Where nooks shall be most kind and still

     For the great Muse to come!