Page:Hemans in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine 33 1833.pdf/18



, as a sun-burst flushing mountain-snow, Fell the celestial touch of fire ere long On the pale stillness of thy thoughtful brow, And thy calm spirit lightened into song. Unconsciously perchance, yet free and strong Flowed the majestic joy of tuneful words, Which living harps the quires of Heaven among Might well have linked with their divinest chords. Full many a strain, borne far on glory's blast, Shall leave, where once its haughty music pass'd,    No more to memory than a reed's faint sigh; While thine, O childlike Virgin! through all time Shall send its fervent breath o'er every clime, Being of God, and therefore not to die.