LYRICAL AND DRAMATIC. 213
Crystal, resplendent, yet unlit ;
So like a mother receives the kiss of the dainty-lip
runlet.
Here the green moss is my seat,
Beech is a canopy o’er me,
Calm and content the retreat ; |
Man, my worst foe, cannot bore me ;
Life is a closed book behind—Shelley an open before
me.
Shelley’s own birds are above
Close to me (why should they fear me ?)
MayI believe it—that love
Brings his bright spirit so near me
That, should I whisper one word—Shelley’s swift
spirit would hear me.
Heaven is not very far;
Soul unto soul may be calling
When a swift meteor star
Through the quick vista is falling.
Loose but your soul—shall its wings find the white
way so appalling ?
Heaven, as I understand,
Nearer than some folk would make it ;
God—should you stretch out a hand,
Who can be quicker to take it?
Then you have pacted an oath—judge you if He will
forsake it.