Collected Poems: With Autobiographical and Critical Fragments By Frederic W. H. Myers: Edited by his Wife Eveleen Myers |
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TO TENNYSON |
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 | Collected Poems: With Autobiographical and Critical Fragments |  |
42
TO TENNYSON
Και αυτος ουρανος ακυμων.----
Plotinus.
I
When from that world ere death and birthHe sought the stern descending way,
Perfecting on our darkened earth
His spirit, citizen of day;—
Guessed he the pain, the lonely years,—
The thought made true, the will made strong?
Divined he from the singing spheres
Eternal fragments of his song?
II
Hoped he from dimness to discernThe Source, the Goal, that glances through?—
That one should know, and many turn—
Turn heavenward, knowing that he knew?—
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Hushed to his tune the tideways roll;
These waveless heights of evening thrill
With voyage of the summoned Soul.
III
O closing shades that veil and drownThe clear-obscure of shore and tree!
O star and planet, shimmering down
Your sombre glory on the sea!
O Soul that yearned to soar and sing,
Enamoured of immortal air!
Heart that thro' sundering change must cling
To dream and memory, sad and fair!
IV
Sun, star, and space and dark and dayShall vanish in a vaster glow;
Souls shall climb fast their age-long way,
With all to conquer, all to know:
But thou, true Heart! for aye shalt keep
Thy loyal faith, thine ancient flame;—
Be stilled an hour, and stir from sleep
Reborn, re-risen, and yet the same.
| Collected Poems: With Autobiographical and Critical Fragments | |