Page:Poems of home and country (IA poemsofhomecount01smit).pdf/147

 The flickering light of such a world as this

Melts in the splendor of ecstatic bliss;

The mortal, like the setting sunlight, fades,

While glorious visions rise that know no shades;

And earthly music, as the soul ascends,

Dies on the ear, and with the angelic concert blends.

EAR master of the tuneful lyre,

How shall we breathe the word, "Farewell"?

How shall we touch the trembling wire,

Which vibrates with thy mystic spell?

The world seems poor, of thee bereft;

The evening sky without the sun;

The setting, not the gem, is left;

The frame remains, the picture gone.

As birds that float on heavenward wing,

Unseen, the air with music fill,—

Singing, they soar, and, soaring, sing,—

Thy broken harp yields music still.

Life's golden bowl was dashed too soon,

But love still holds thy cherished name;

No sunset thine, but fadeless noon;

No shadow, but immortal fame.