In Hallam’s sudden transition, what might have been drawn from subsequent experience was at once fully accomplished.
LXXXII.
A fine burst of Faith in the future. He does not reproach Death for any corruption by it “on form or face.” No decay of the flesh can shake his trust in the survival of the soul. “Eternal process” is ever “moving on;” the Spirit walks through a succession of states of being; and the body dropt here is but a case, the “ruin’d chrysalis of one” state left behind.[56]
Nor does he find fault with Death for taking “virtue out of earth:” he knows that it will be transplanted elsewhere to greater profit.
What he is angry with Death for is, their separation—
“He put our lives so far apart
We cannot hear each other speak.”
This Poem expresses a comforting belief in progress and advancement hereafter.
LXXXIII.
“The northern shore” must simply mean our northern region.
He reproaches the New Year for “delaying long.” Its advent would cheer him, bringing the light and sweetness of Spring—for