A LARK from cloud to cloud along
In wildest labyrinths of song,—
So jubilant and proud and strong;
A ray that climbs the garden wall
And leaps the height at evenfall,—
So clear, so faint, so mystical;
A summer fragrance on the breeze,
A shower upon the lilied leas,
A sunburst over violet seas,
A wand of light, a fairy spell
Beyond a faltering lip to tell;
Bright Music’s perfect miracle.
Still live the gift outrunning praise,
Inviolate from this earthly place
And fitly pure for heavenly days,
Sincerity its stay and guard,
A glowing nature, happy-starred,
Its dwelling now and afterward!
Where’er that gentle heart shall be,
Responsive to their source I see
The fount and form of melody;
And my foreshadowed spirit drawn
Of hindrance free, and unforlorn,
To list thro’ some ambrosial dawn,
To follow with oblivious eyes
The old delight, the fresh surprise,
Adown the glades of Paradise!