Ambarvalia/Burbidge/Lapse
LAPSE.
A heavenly Night!—methinks to me
The soul of other times returns;
Sweet as the scents the orange-tree
Drops in the wind-flower's scarlet urns,
When sunset, like a city, burns
Across the glassy midland sea.
This night gives back that double day,
Which clothed the earth when I was young!
A light most like some godlike lay
By parted hero-angels sung:—
It stirred my heart; and through my tongue
It passed, methought,—but passed away.
The entrancement of that time is o'er,
A calmer, freer soul is here;
I dream not as I dreamed of yore,
Awake to sin, awake to fear;
I own the earth,—I see, I hear,
I feel;—may I dream no more!
Farewell, wild world of bygone days,
Here let me now more safely tread!
I ask no glory's vagrant blaze,
To dance around my shining head:
Be peace and hope my crown instead,
With love, God willing, for my praise!