Classic Poem

Let scoffers mock, let unbelief deny—
  Agnosticism stolidly ignore;
Let worldly wisdom proudly ask us, “Why?”
  And still the soul cries out for something more—
For something better than philosophy—
  Still longs for higher joys and looks before;
And cannot rest—will ne'er contented be,
Till triumph over matter leaves mind free.

160

Then hail we all the spirits of the just,
  With Lena we shall join them all. The mind
Now risen looks down on Life's unmeaning dust,
  And soars to higher spheres—all unconfined;
To spheres of love and duty, hope and trust;
  And leaves the sordid and corrupt behind.
The Virgin is the sign of vanquished night,
Her child is born—born of the soul—the Light.

161

Farewell! In grandeur sinks the closing day,
  And on our vision slowly fades the light;
And bygone scenes, like shadows fall away,
  To settle in the blank of coming night.
The Octoroon has passed, but not for aye;
  To those who have the gift of inner sight,
The spirit of all nature prophesies
A home for love and beauty in the skies.