Hymn to the Spirit of Nature

    With their love the breath between them；

    And thy smiles before they dwindle¹

    Make the cold air fire： then screen them

    In those locks where whoso gazes 5

    Faints entangled² in their mazes³.

    Child of Light！ thy limbs are burning

    Through the veil which seems to hide them

    As the radiant lines of morning

    Through thin clouds ere they divide them； 10

    And this atmosphere divinest

    Shrouds⁴ thee wheresoe'er thou shinest.

    Fair are others： none beholds⁵ thee；

    But thy voice sounds low and tender

    Like the fairest for it folds thee 15

    From the sight that liquid splendour；

    And all feel yet see thee never

    As I feel now lost for ever！

    Lamp of Earth！ where'er thou movest

    Its dim shapes are clad with brightness 20

    And the souls of whom thou lovest

    Walk upon the winds with lightness

    Till they fail as I am failing

    Dizzy lost yet unbewailing！