XXVI.

So soft, so full, so thrilling deep it spake,
It won the soul in seraph bliss to die,
And seemed at once her inward thirst to slake,
With joys of heaven and tears of Calvary.

XXVII.

She felt her life a trembling, earthly spark,
Was mounting up to shine a star above,
And lucid thoughts came rippling through the dark,
In one mild flow of Faith, and Hope, and Love.

XXVIII.

" Methinks, O! Sage, a nobler lore than thine,
More steadfast comfort gives and holier peace;
And I am fed by wisdom more divine
Than e'er inspired melodious tongues of Greece.

XXIX.

" On other shores, beneath more eastern skies,
Thy faith was once proclaimed from age to age,
Not sealed a treasure for the proudly wise,
But spread a people's common heritage;

XXX.

" In saint and prophet burnt with keener flame
Than e'er illumed thy gracious soul's delight;
In children's words, in songs of ancient fame
Was known, ennobled many a festal rite.