SCENE III.

MOUNT HERMON. — SUNSET.

IRAD .

How motionless the time and scene! earth lies
Basking beneath broad heaven, feeling the life
Existent between her and yonder sun.
The dews, her respirations, float above her,
Folding as with a mantle, from the gaze
Of his too ardent eye, while in her deep
And silent gladness she doth feel his rays
Inspiring her as with a living soul
Watcher of life! all-seeing, fount of light!
Thou sittest there even as a visible god,
In glory as in beauty, thou, that art
The shadow and reflection of the One,
And, sunk behind the hills, thou leavest rays
Which entering make us the beautiful.
Mankind shall worship thee on mountain-tops
Even with the idolatry I give thee now.
Oh, had I never heard God walked with man,
Nor felt his presence in the flower that speaks
Beneath my feet, to look on thy great face
And worship are the same! I dwell on thee
Until I feel thine own tranquillity,
My wounded spirit calmed by thee to rest.