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LUX EX ORIENTE (Inscription on Haskal hall, University of Chicago)

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THE LOST CHIMES

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“Count not the cost, a thousand more or less

Is not the question, but a perfect tone,

A clang as clear as the Italian sky,

As strong and joyful as the victor’s cry,

As deep and mellow as the ocean’s moan,

And tender as a mother’s fond caress.”

“And let there be no stint of pure alloy,

Of bronze and silver, no, not even of gold,

Yea, let this be thy very master-piece,

In all its making,—if it doth me please,

Half of my fortune shall to thee be told,

And to its praise my life I shall employ.”

Thus spake Sordino, noble Florentine,

To one who was renowned for casting bells,