In far, bright spaces of sun-lighted air,
My soul went wandering one summer day,
And saw, in clouds remote, fierce lightnings play
About huge worlds, whose mountains, high and bare,
Shone lurid in the never ceasing glare;
These swung along a wild tempestuous way,
Where storm and darkness held eternal sway,
And high winds roared their loud, unceasing blare.
Then turning from this vast and troubled scene,
In purple distances I saw those spheres
Where life is rich with love, and glad with song;
Who could not choose these different worlds between?
Give me the light, even though it shine through tears,
Annihilation is too cold and long.