Jephthah and Other Mysteries

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.