Page:Felicia Hemans in The New Monthly Magazine Volume 41 1834.pdf/12



Upward and upward still! In pearly light The clouds are steep'd; the vernal spirit sighs With bliss in every wind; and crystal skies Woo thee, O Bird! to thy celestial height. Bird, piercing heaven with music, thy free flight Hath meaning for all bosoms,—most of all For those wherein the rapture and the might Of Poesy lie deep, and strive and burn For their high place. Oh, heirs of Genius! learn From the sky's bird your way!—no joy may fill Your hearts, no gift of holy strength be won To bless your songs, ye Children of the Sun, Save by the unswerving flight—upward and upward still!