Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/442

 HENRY VAUGHAN

He that hath found some fledg'd bird's nest may know,

At first sight, if the bird be flown; But what fair well or grove he sings in now, That is to him unknown.

And yet as Angels in some brighter dreams

Call to the soul, when man doth sleep: So some strange thoughts transcend our wonted themes, And into glory peep.

If a star were confin'd into a tomb,

Her captive flames must needs burn there; But when the hand that lock'd her up gives room, She'll shine through all the sphere.

O Father of eternal life, and all Created glories under Thee' Resume Thy spirit from this world of thrall Into true liberty.

Either disperse these mists, which blot and fill

My perspective btill as they pass Or else remove me hence unto that hill, Where I shall need no glass.

376 The Night

John 3. 2. ^HROUGH that pure Virgin-shrine,

That sacred vail drawn o'er thy glorious noon That men might look and live as Glow-worms shine,

And face the Moon: Wise Nicodemus saw such light As made him know his God by night.

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