University of Virginia Library


194

BUTLER.

I saw within a glass vast worlds of light,
Launch'd multitudinous on the shoreless sea,
While, far outspread, the boundless Deity,
Sat brooding 'mid the peopled Infinite.
Within her and around her the dark sprite
Sees—but to know she sees not—the vast zone.
All bodiless, hung from th'Eternal's throne,
And hears strange melodies on th'ear of night.
Thus on my heart of hearts still silently
Lingers the echo of thy solemn strain,
Thoughtful and saintly Butler! then above,
Dark clouds between, is seen a golden chain,
And earth and Heav'n breathe with Divinity;
—I walk with holy trembling and deep love.