Spirit of Song, life's golden ray...

Spirit of song, life's golden ray . . . . . . . . . That burneth in this house of clay, Despite the stress of blast and tempest To quench the flickering light and play;

Rapture of seraphs bright thou art, Yet kindlest in the human heart The fluid soul's upbreathed emotion, Whose light shines clear as a star apart,—

A fairer light of sweeter fame Than science knows to praise or blame, Wherein the soul has open vision, And feels the glow of His holy flame.