Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/199

 A radiant glow and thrilled with grateful warmth E'en from afar my writhing, death-chilled heart. 'T must thus have been, when first the smile of God With quickening breath beamed on chaotic realms; Thus it will be, when from the shades of grave We first emerge into our Maker's presence. And with that light there came a melody Into my ear as of an angel-choir, So sweet, so soothing and so comfort-fraught, That, as at times we feel a healing draught Pervade our veins with instantaneous cure, So, so, forthwith these gentle accents poured Into my heart a current of relief. That soothed its pangs and calmed its agitation. Then, for a while, the charming apparition Withdrew from me, but as the setting sun Behind him leaves the purple-glow of eve And peace serene,—my feelings so remained Inspired with joy and radiant hopefulness. While thus I lay, as in a trance enchanted, A glaring light broke on my slumb'ring eye; A fairy-vision stood my bed beside, Who spoke to me with strength-infusing voice: "Awake, James Travis, rise and follow me!" Through long and vaulted corridors we went, Until at last a frowning, narrow way. Through which we passed, meseemed for many hours, Has safely brought me to the arms of him