Page:Roden Noel - A Little Child's Monument - 1881.pdf/47

 Opal shafts of misty shining Stream athwart the deep ravine, Where I never cease divining Tall rude phantom forms that lean In reverie Over one another's shoulder, Solemn guardians of the gorge, Till a fleecy cloudlet fold her Wings awhile upon the verge, A well-beloved guest: In the gloom of mountain splendour, In dusk oriental gold Of their rich raiment, oh, how tender Seemed the silver-pinioned rover From a far celestial fold! Rude earth spirits may but love her, Nor ever dare to hold From her rest! And a smile stole over furrowed Faces of old earthworn mountain; To each and all who so had sorrowed The dewy cloud wits youth's own fountain Of happiness divine. Lo! now the loftier heights all hoary Gleam with white wings of Angel presence, So fledged with plumes we scarce may know Sheeny cloud from downy snow, Until I marvel if, in the glory