Then In That Hall There Were Voices Poem by Emmanuel George Cefai

then in that hall there were voices
low but calm-serene and almost
whispering of gray philosophers:
I heard one speak, the others stopped
and heard intently:
that was civility; that civilization be.
Of all things spoke they yet I understood
[Though being of their kind
their words by other humans too
to be understood]
Enchanted I heard discourse after other
and at times saw I that
Minerva smiled with pleasure at my pleasure
Enchanted stood I in that august assembly
and the pit of humility felt I
amidst that austere august assembly.
The which Minerva noting said:
'Shore up your spirits! You too
to the same belong, as after all,
all humanity who will to sacrifice
their lives for wisdom too'
I replied not; and I let Minerva pass
before me seeing that that she
wanted to show to another hall.
She moved first; she led; I followed
And in another hall we went.