University of Virginia Library


87

The Spirit of the Sphere.

By the sun's irradiate car,
By the yellow-faced moon;
By the magic of each star,
We may find thee very soon.
Thou art light and thou art free,
And to live rejoiceth thee
Where the splendours greatest be.
By the flaming zodiac,
By the cloud that looms with fire,
By the fierce equator's track,
Thou art found to our desire.
Thou a seraph art to go
All undaunted to and fro
Where the fiercest ardours glow.

88

By the butterflies that fold
Little weary wings in sleep,
Ere the moon is made of gold,
We perceive thy presence deep.
Thou an angel art, and well
It sufficeth thee to dwell
In the smallest creature's cell.
By the burnished beech that spreads
Shining leaves in summer's hour,
By the thistle's dancing heads,
We may see thy lovely power.
Thou a spirit art most sweet,
And to make all life complete
Everywhere thou hast thy seat.