52 JEPHTHAH.
Descending flames, and perfumes teem divine,
And all the air grows one pale fume of wine.
Their songs, their purity, their peace,
Glide slowly in the arms of God;
His lips assume their sanctities,
His eyes perceive the period
Of woven webs of lutes at ease,
e And measures by pure maidens trod,
Till, like the smoke of mountains risen at dawn,
The cloud-veils of the Ain are withdrawn. |
Pure spirits rise to heaven, the bride.
Pure bodies are as lamps below.
The shining essence, glorified
With fire more cold than fresh-fallen snow,
And influences, white and wide, -
Descend, re-gather, kindle, grow,
Till from one virgin bosom flows a river
Of white devotion adamant for ever.
Enter Adulah and Chorus of Matdens.
ADULAH.
Fathers of Israel, we are come to you
With many maidens praising God, for this,
The victory of my father. Happy girls!
Whose brothers struck to-day for Israel,
Whose fathers smote the heathen ; happiest,
Ye blushing flowers, beyond your younger spring