When first in the illimitable blank

It touched the crystal wall! 20

Far spreads this mystery of death and sin,

Year beyond year in gloomy tumult rolls;

And day encircling day clasps closer in

Our solitary souls.

O for the time when in our seraph wings 25

We veil our brows before the Eternal Throne—

The day when drinking knowledge at its springs,

We know as we are known.