FROM EARTH TO THE INFINITE.
The mists are falling on the purple sea,
The sun is sinking in the clouds aflame;
For many a day the far receding sea
And melting sky have seemed almost the same.
At first we met the bitter storm and cloud,
With little sunshine on the darkling mere,
The waves were high, the icy winds were loud;
The days were dark, the nights were full of fear.
By every trial having gathered strength,
And hopeful conquered every adverse gale,
We now have reached a calmer sea at length,
And with full hearts unbend the flowing sail.
Behind, the sinking sun reveals no shore
Illumed with glory of his purple light;
The land we left has passed forever more
Beyond the reach of longing mortal sight.
A boundless sea on every side expands;
We’re drifting slowly toward the glowing east;
In faith expecting yet more welcome lands,
When toiling care, and mortal life have ceased.
Behold, it comes in robes of azure light!
As sinks the sun behind the sullen waves,
And on the pearly shore, enchanting sight,
Are all the friends we thought within the grave.
And now, oh ship, your weary pinions fold,
And rock to sleep upon the harbor’s breast;
This is the home, by faith our hearts foretold,
Where we shall find activity and rest.