Soon, thrilled like them with an immortal fire,

Seraphic hosts, perchance, my ardent lyre

In ecstasy shall steep!

Soon—but the dull cold hand of death along

My chords has struck:—one farewell gush of song

Sad and receding—to the winds is given.

They break—’tis gone!—my friends, be yours the hymn!

My parting soul would rise, while earth grows dim,

In melody to heaven!

I WOULD I WERE THE LIGHT-WINGED BIRD.