BALLADE.
The sun across the meads glows bright;
The river shines a silver sheet,
And mirrors back the pearly light.
In its warm gleam the shadows fleet,
Earth seems in joy the heaven to greet;
Heaven's love illumes the deep blue skies,
And birds and flowers and streams repeat,
'Where true love dwells is Paradise.'
Beneath the hedge with May-bloom white
An old man and a child, whose feet
In cadence move to love's fond might;
In its warm gleam the shadows fleet;
Like op'ning flowers in morn's soft heat.
A youth and maid whose beaming eyes
Flash forth the thought their hearts secrete,
'Where true love dwells is Paradise.'
Within the minster's fane the rite
Is breathed; down-pours His own to meet
The glory of the Infinite:
In its warm gleam the shadows fleet;
Faith falls before the mercy-seat,
And knows, though veiled to mortal eyes,
There, there in loveliness complete,
Where True Love dwells is Paradise.
Past sounding brass are love's tones sweet,
Than gold or gems more rare its price;
In its warm gleam the shadows fleet;
Where true love dwells is Paradise.
W. H. Jewitt.