Yet not the kindling dawn,
Nor breathless summer noon, nor soft decline
Of eve, nor stars, nor moon-lit lawn,
Nor 'human face divine,'
Nor aught that greets our earthly sight
Of most surpassing loveliness,
Thy full divinity express;
These are but symbols of thy might.
High throned above all mortal state,
Enrapt, serene, owning nor death nor change,
Nor time, nor place, thou hast thy seat
In that calm world wherein the Soul doth range,
Where Thought and Wisdom do abide,
Beside immortal Truth, thy sister and thy bride!
Supreme immunities are thine,
Eternal Beauty! glorious giver
Of light, and joy, and blessedness!
And they are blest who on thy face divine
Gaze and repose for ever.
Such guerdon high do those possess,
The star-like souls, who dwell apart,[A]
Above our dim and common day
Shining serene. To these thou art
Immortal light and strength, and they
By virtue led, and contemplation high,
Partake with thee thine own eternity!
H. M. G.
[MEADOW-FARM: A TALE OF ASSOCIATION.]
BY THE AUTHOR OF 'EDWARD ALFORD AND HIS PLAYFELLOW.'
CHAPTER SEVENTH.
'Because there dwells
In the inner temple of the holy heart
The presence of the spirit from above:
There are His tabernacles; there His rites.'
School of the Heart.