In My Mind'S Eye A Temple, Like A Cloud

Composed 1827.--Published 1827

One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."--ED.

In my mind's eye a Temple, like a cloud Slowly surmounting some invidious hill, Rose out of darkness: the bright Work stood still; And might of its own beauty have been proud, But it was fashioned and to God was vowed By Virtues that diffused, in every part, Spirit divine through forms of human art: Faith had her arch--her arch, when winds blow loud, Into the consciousness of safety thrilled; And Love her towers of dread foundation laid Under the grave of things; Hope had her spire Star-high, and pointing still to something higher; Trembling I gazed, but heard a voice--it said, "Hell-gates are powerless Phantoms when we build."