Classic Poem

Philonous to Hylasia

1

Keep, oh keep those eyes on me,
If thou wouldst my soul persuade,
Soul of reasoner bold and free,
Who, with pinions undismayed
Soars to realms of higher worth
Than aught like these poor heavens and earth.

2

Talk no more of Scripture text,
Tract and note of deep divine:
These but leave the mind perplexed —
More effectual means are thine:
Through that face, so fair and dear,
The doctrine shines as noon-day clear.

3

Who that sees the radiant smile
Dawn upon thy features bright,
And thy soft, full eyes the while
Spreading beams of tender light,
But must long those looks to greet,
Where perfect souls in joyance meet?

4

Who that round some verdant home
Day by day with thee hath strayed,
Through its pathways loved to roam,
Sat beneath its pleasant shade,
But must hope that heav'nly bow'rs
May wear such hues as these of ours?

5

O ye fair and pleasant places,
Where the eye, delighted, ranges;
O ye dear and friendly faces,
Loved through all your mortal changes,
Are ye but stars, to shine through this life's night,
Doomed when the daylight beams to vanish from our sight?