Tender in love as are our shepherd swains.

Where man, from covering of clay set free,

A winged soul, flies through a joyful heaven.

I could believe it, for in listening thee

I had a foretaste of those wonders even.

Ah! since that time, in good and evil plight,

I dream of thee and those fair heavens bright.

The cross upon thy breast rejoiced mine eyes;

The sign of future bliss therein I read.

Alas! when from the cross the thunder flies,