No hammers fell, no ponderous axes rung,
Like some tall palm the mystic fabric sprung.
Majestic silence.

No hammers fell, no ponderous axes rung,
Like some tall palm the mystic fabric sprung.
Majestic silence.

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of
the corner.

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of
the corner.

When I lately stood with a friend before [the cathedral of]
Amiens, . . . he asked me how read more

When I lately stood with a friend before [the cathedral of]
Amiens, . . . he asked me how it happens that we can no longer
build such piles? I replied: "Dear Alphonse, men in those days
had convictions (Ueberzeugungen), we moderns have opinions
(Meinungen) and it requires something more than an opinion to
build a Gothic cathedral.

Anon, out of the earth a fabric huge
Rose, like an exhalation.

Anon, out of the earth a fabric huge
Rose, like an exhalation.

The Gothic cathedral is a blossoming in stone subdued by the
insatiable demand of harmony in man. The mountain read more

The Gothic cathedral is a blossoming in stone subdued by the
insatiable demand of harmony in man. The mountain of granite
blooms into an eternal flower, with the lightness and delicate
finish, as well as the aerial proportions and perspective of
vegetable beauty.

Old houses mended,
Cost little less than new, before they're ended.

Old houses mended,
Cost little less than new, before they're ended.

There was King Bradmond's palace,
Was never none richer, the story says:
For all the windows and read more

There was King Bradmond's palace,
Was never none richer, the story says:
For all the windows and the walls
Were painted with gold, both towers and halls;
Pillars and doors all were of brass;
Windows of latten were set with glass;
It was so rich in many wise,
That it was like a paradise.

Ah, to build, to build!
That is the noblest of all the arts.

Ah, to build, to build!
That is the noblest of all the arts.

In the elder days of Art,
Builders wrought with greatest care
Each minute and unseen part;
read more

In the elder days of Art,
Builders wrought with greatest care
Each minute and unseen part;
For the gods see everywhere.