I traced a circle on the ground
It was a mystic figure strange
Wherein I thought there would abound
Mute symbols adequate of change
And complex formulas of Law
Which is the jaws of Change's maw
My simpler thoughts in vain had stemmed
The current of this madness free
But that my thinking is condemned
To symbol and analogy
I deemed a circle might condense
With calm all mystery's violence
And so in cabalistic mood
A circle traced I curious there
Imperfect the made circle stood
Thought formed with minutest care
From magic's failure deeply I
A lesson took to make me sigh
I traced a circle on the ground
It was a mystic figure strange
Wherein I thought there would abound
Mute symbols adequate of change
And complex formulas of Law
Which is the jaws of Change's maw
My simpler thoughts in vain had stemmed
The current of this madness free
But that my thinking is condemned
To symbol and analogy
I deemed a circle might condense
With calm all mystery's violence
And so in cabalistic mood
A circle traced I curious there
Imperfect the made circle stood
Thought formed with minutest care
From magic's failure deeply I
A lesson took to make me sigh.