129. Life of Life

WHAT’S that, which, ere I spake, was gone!

So joyful and intense a spark

That, whilst o’erhead the wonder shone,

The day, before but dull, grew dark?

I do not know; but this I know,

That, had the splendour lived a year,

The truth that I some heavenly show

Did see, could not be now more clear.

This know I too: might mortal breath

Express the passion then inspired,

Evil would die a natural death,

And nothing transient be desired;

And error from the soul would pass,

And leave the senses pure and strong

As sunbeams. But the best, alas,

Has neither memory nor tongue!