O loveliest vision of the painter’s thought—
Born in his happiest hour of inspiration,
How more than fair the exquisite creation
His genius-gifted pencil here hath wrought!
How wondrously is charmed the “Pilgrim” story
That made my childhood’s ever new delight:
Sweet Mercy! now, in tenderest grace and glory,
Thy pale, bright picture floats before my sight.
Thrice blesséd! and thrice beautiful! might we
But in our dreams some guardian-angel see!