To a Lady, XL

But in mine eyes strange virtues grew; And now the Heaven of Heavens, to view Rose glorious as the light! Oh it were idle to strive to tell, But I can remember, remember well, How wonderful seem’d the sight. I was not there; but saw afar How happy the heavenly spirits are, Like him of old, with a gulf between My longing soul and the glorious scene. Oh, never shall pass that dread ravine A soul defiled by sin! But there was I, and I could see How desolate all without must be, How rapturous all within.