And I felt, in my soul's deep yearning, At last the sure answer stir : "The music will go up to Heaven, It rose in harmonious rushing Of mingled voices and strings, And I tenderly laid my message On the Music's outspread wings. I heard it float farther and farther, And I know that at last my message Has passed through the golden gate: So my heart is no longer restless, And I am content to wait. NEVER AGAIN. EVER again!" vow hearts when reunited, "Never again shall Love be cast aside; For ever now the shadow has departed; Nor bitter sorrow, veiled in scornful pride, Shall feign indifference, or affect disdain,— Never, oh Love, again, never again!" "Never again!" so sobs, in broken accents, A soul laid prostrate at a holy shrine,"Once more, once more forgive, oh Lord, and pardon, My wayward life shall bend to love divine; And never more shall sin its whiteness stain,—— Never, oh God, again, never again!" "Never again!" so speaketh one forsaken, In the blank desolate passion of despair, "Never again shall the bright dream I cherished "Never again!" so speaks the sudden silence, When round the hearth gathers each well-known face, But one is missing, and no future presence, However dear, can fill that vacant place; For ever shall that burning thought remain,— "Never, beloved, again! never again!" "Never again!" so-but beyond our hearingRing out far voices fading up the sky; Never again shall earthly care and sorrow Weigh down the wings that bear those souls on high; "Listen, oh earth, and hear that glorious strain,Never, never again! never again !" H LISTENING ANGELS. LUE against the bluer Heavens Stood the mountain, calm and still, Two white Angels, bending earthward, Leant upon the hill. Listening leant those silent Angels, And I also longed to hear What sweet strain of earthly music I heard the sound of many trumpets Passed in order by. But the clang had ceased; the echoes Then I heard a fainter clamour, Forge and wheel were clashing near, And the Reapers in the meadow Singing loud and clear. When the sunset came in glory, Then, as daylight slowly vanished, Rose a vesper hymn. When the chant was done, and lingering Silent came the gathering darkness, Save a little bird was singing Near her leafy nest. |