Forth from earth’s councils thou hast passed, O friend, To those high circles where God’s angels are, Angels that need no light of sun or star! No eye may follow thee as thou dost wend Thy lofty way where heaven’s pure heights ascend— Above the reach of earthly fret or jar, Where no rude touch the blissful peace can mar, Where all harsh sounds in one soft concord blend. What have ye seen, O beauty-loving eyes? What have ye heard, O ears attuned to hear And to interpret heaven’s high harmonies? What problems hast thou solved, thou who with clear Undaunted gaze didst search the farthest skies? And dost thou still love on, O heart most dear?
REMEMBRANCE
I do remind me how, when, by a bier, I looked my last on an unanswering face Serenely waiting for the grave’s embrace, One who would fain have comforted said: “Dear, This is the worst. Life’s bitterest drop is here. Impartial fate has done you this one grace, That till you go to your appointed place, Or soon or late, there is no more to fear.” It was not true, my soul! it was not true! “Thou art not lost while I remember thee, Lover and friend!” I cry, with bated breath. What if the years, slow-creeping like the blue, Resistless tide, should blot that face from me? Not to remember would be worse than death!
IN THE HIGH TOWER
Safe in the high tower of thy love I wait, Secure and still whatever winds may blow, Although no more thy banners, bending low, Salute me from afar, when, all elate, I haste to meet thee at the postern-gate. No more I hear thy trumpet’s eager flow Through the far, listening silence come and go To greet me where I bide in lonely state. Thy King hath sent thee on some high emprise, Some lofty embassage, some noble quest, To a strange land whence cometh sound nor sign. Yet evermore I lift my tranquil eyes, Knowing that Love but doeth Love’s behest— Afar or near, my dear lord still is mine! [292]