A memorial volume of sacred poetry by the late Sir John Bowring. To which is prefixed, a memoir of the author, by Lady Bowring |
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Hopes of Futurity.
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 | A memorial volume of sacred poetry |  |
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Hopes of Futurity.
Why is the voice of wisdom hushed
At some stern despot's harsh command?
Why the inquiring spirit crushed
By prelate, or by princely hand?
At some stern despot's harsh command?
Why the inquiring spirit crushed
By prelate, or by princely hand?
Why is the uptending reason kept
In some foul prison, dreary, dark?
Why must we sleep as those who slept,
Stark-blinded, to the heavenly spark?
In some foul prison, dreary, dark?
Why must we sleep as those who slept,
Stark-blinded, to the heavenly spark?
Are we not born for brighter days,
By nobler guides securely led?
May we not on the sunshine gaze,
And walk where flowers and fruits are spread?
By nobler guides securely led?
May we not on the sunshine gaze,
And walk where flowers and fruits are spread?
While circling stars and central sun,
And moons and moons and planets roll,
And rivers in their currents run,
Say, what shall stop the advancing soul?
And moons and moons and planets roll,
And rivers in their currents run,
Say, what shall stop the advancing soul?
| A memorial volume of sacred poetry | |