University of Virginia Library


200

TO ARTHUR HERVEY

SONNET

O friend, who hast the power along with me
To worship at this dim world's shadowy shrine
The God whose eyes behind the shadows shine—
Who knowest that Love through music speaks to thee,
As I, triumphant, murmur, “It is he!”
When through my soul vibrates some sudden line;
Thou who canst hear the voice we call divine
Speak from the stars, or thunder through the sea:
There is a power within our souls to know
That, though the Church's God be earless stone,
Yet, armed and mighty for his overthrow,
Behind him stands the deathless God we own,
He who can tame the stormiest winds that blow
Defiant trumpets round about his throne.
Oct. 20, 1889.