How many starlight fancies dawned and set
And sank below the verge of surging sea
That rolls from birth to death's eternity
In weary waves that freshen, break and fret!
What momentary visions passed ere yet
Thy great, grave graciousness appeared to me,
Absorbed all radiances of less degree,
And gilded all the billows of regret.
What if a sphere above me holds thy home
Whose pathway circles higher than my course?
A heaven-sent token and a long-sought sign
Forever over me thy grace will shine;
Still may I pray with thee beneath one dome;
Still trace my soul with thine to one dread Source