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The works of Mrs. Hemans

With a memoir of her life, by her sister. In seven volumes
Hemans, Felicia Dorothea Browne (1793-1835)

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VOL. I.
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VOL. II.
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VOL. III.
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VOL. IV.
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VOL. V.
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VOL. VI.
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SONGS OF THE AFFECTIONS;
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MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.
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MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.
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NATIONAL LYRICS.
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VOL. VII.

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VII.—DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE.

They float before my soul, the fair designs
Which I would body forth to Life and Power,
Like clouds, that with their wavering hues and lines
Pourtray majestic buildings:—Dome and tower,
Bright spire, that through the rainbow and the shower
Points to th' unchanging stars; and high arcade
Far-sweeping to some glorious altar, made
For holiest rites:—meanwhile the waning hour
Melts from me, and by fervent dreams o'erwrought,
I sink:—O friend! O link'd with each high thought
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Aid me, of those rich visions to detain
All I may grasp; until thou see'st fulfill'd,
While time and strength allow, my hope to build
For lowly hearts devout, but one enduring fane!
October 18th.
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