IV.
Fainter and fainter—'tis heard no more—
That plaintive strain from Earth's lessening shore—
And I fling its weight from my fetterless wing,
Higher and higher in heaven to sing,
Afar from Earth's faded shore!
I shall take my seat in the clouds,
I shall sit beside the Sun,—
I shall gaze with calm, unfaltering eye
On the face of the radiant one!
O glorious, kingly Sun!—
O brightly beautiful one!—
O Monarch, sitting serenely bright,
In thy quenchless glory on heaven's height,
I am upward drawn to thee!—
And thy fiery spirit's ardent flame
Is downward-drawn to me!
Sun, with gemmed and flashing banners,
List my rapturous hosannas,
As I circle nearer,—nearer,—
Where your rays burn brighter, clearer,—
Up, on wings of strong desire,
Higher still, and ever higher!