Jephthah

38 JEPHTHAH. And feel Thy presence very near to-night! I sink as with delight Through places numberless with fervid fires Of holiest desires Into I know not what a cradle, made Of subtle-shapéd shade, And arms most perdurable. I am lost In thought beyond all cost— Nay, but my spirit breaks the slender chain That held it down. The pain Of death is past and I am free. Nay, I, This body, dead, must lie Till Thou come home again, O soaring Soul. The gates supernal roll ! Flash through them, O white-winged, white-blossom ghost ! Ah, God! for I am lost. - [Jephthah remains motionless, [Morning dawns. Enter Jared, Soldters, Prophet. SOLDIERS. . Hail, captain! We are ready now for death, Or victory, if shining wings are fain To hover over dauntless hearts. Behold Our ready bands to follow to the fray. JEPHTHAH. Welcome! hail ye this happy dawn as one