Hymn to the Spirit of Nature

　　LIFE of Life! thy lips enkindle

　　With their love the breath between them;

　　And thy smiles before they dwindle

　　Make the cold air fire: then screen them

　　In those locks where whoso gazes 5

　　Faints entangled in their mazes.

　　Child of Light! thy limbs are burning

　　Through the veil which seems to hide them

　　As the radiant lines of morning

　　Through thin clouds ere they divide them; 10

　　And this atmosphere divinest

　　Shrouds thee wheresoe'er thou shinest.

　　Fair are others: none beholds thee;

　　But thy voice sounds low and tender

　　Like the fairest for it folds thee 15

　　From the sight that liquid splendour;

　　And all feel yet see thee never

　　As I feel now lost for ever!

　　Lamp of Earth! where'er thou movest

　　Its dim shapes are clad with brightness 20

　　And the souls of whom thou lovest

　　Walk upon the winds with lightness

　　Till they fail as I am failing

　　Dizzy lost yet unbewailing!