Sky-Lark'S Song

IV.

Fainter and fainter--'tis heard no more-- That plaintive strain from Earth's lessening shore-- And I fling its weight from my fetterless wing, Higher and higher in heaven to sing, Afar from Earth's faded shore! I shall take my seat in the clouds, I shall sit beside the Sun,-- I shall gaze with calm, unfaltering eye On the face of the radiant one! O glorious, kingly Sun!-- O brightly beautiful one!-- O Monarch, sitting serenely bright, In thy quenchless glory on heaven's height, I am upward drawn to thee!-- And thy fiery spirit's ardent flame Is downward-drawn to me! Sun, with gemmed and flashing banners, List my rapturous hosannas, As I circle nearer,--nearer,-- Where your rays burn brighter, clearer,-- Up, on wings of strong desire, Higher still, and ever higher!