The Complete Poems of Christina Rossetti :: :: University of Virginia Library

Water calmly flowing,
Sun-light deeply glowing,
Swans some river riding,
That is gently gliding
By the fresh green rushes;
The sweet rose that blushes,
Hyacinths whose dow'r
Is both scent and flow'r,
Skylark's soaring motion,
Sun-rise from the ocean,
Jewels that lie sparkling
'Neath the waters darkling,
Sea-weed, coral, amber,
Flow'rs that climb and clamber,
Or more lowly flourish
Where the earth may nourish;
All these are beautiful,
Of beauty Earth is full:—
Say, to our promised Heaven
Can greater charms be given?

Yes; for aye in Heav'n doth dwell
Glowing, indestructible,
What here below finds tainted birth
In the corrupted sons of Earth;
For, filling there and satisfying
Man's soul unchanging and undying,
Earth's fleeting joys and beauties far above,
In Heaven is Love.