IN MEMORIAM A. J. B. 
 
THE life by angels’ touch divinely lifted 
From our dim space-bounds to a vaster sphere 
The spirit, through the vision of clouds rifted, 
Soars quick and clear. 
 
We know the dance that hails the golden pinions 
The sun waves over an awakening earth ; 
We know the joy that floods the heart’s dominions 
At true love’s birth. 
 
Even so, the mists that roll o’er earth are riven, 
The spirit flashes forth from mortal sight, 
And, flaming through the viewless space, is given 
A robe of light. 
 
As when the conqueror Christ burst forth of prison, 
And triumph woke the thunder of the spheres, 
 
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