University of Virginia Library

The Veiled Waterfall,

GLENCRIPISDALE.

In front of falling waters we reclined,
Which down a chasm tore their thund'rous way:
Birches before them hung, with emerald spray
Screening the silvery foam which shone behind.
With every fitful wafting of the wind
The leafy veil was lifted, to display
The crystal splendour in its white array—
The changing drops in changeless form confined.
Thus earth's fair dreams and fancies intervene
And veil Heaven's glory from our mortal eye,
Dimming things hoped for by things felt and seen:
O for God's breath—the Spirit from on high—
To flash upon us through the sundered screen
The living waters of Eternity!