Page:Poems Greenwell.djvu/254

Then would I stoop no more
 Of earthly Love, of earthly Grief to sing,
That met and mingled in their sighs, of yore
 So oft upon the string;

For as the dew-drops dry
 On the bird's wing, exhaling in its flight,
So mortal dreams would on my spirit die,
 Nearing the source of light;

And like a flame that glows
 Steadfast before an altar, from the ground
My soul would soar, and scatter as it rose
 Odours and light around!

Yet since this may not be,
 Since, but before the Temple's Outer Gate,
And not within its Inner Sanctuary
 I minister and wait;

Still would I linger fain
 About that Porch, and patient strive to win
A breath of sweetness for an earthly strain
 From all that flows within!

Still would I strive to bring
 (E'en of the best I could) my gift, and twine
Of earthly blossoms, soon awithering,
 A garland for that shrine;