Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/271

"But that immortal spirit, which was deckt
With all the dowries of celestial grace;
By sovereign choice from th' heavenly quires select,
And lineally derived from angels' race:
  O what is now of it become aread?
  Aye me! can so divine a thing be dead?"

"Ah, no! It is not dead, nor can it die;
But lives for aye in blissful Paradise:
Where like a new-born babe it soft doth lie
In bed of lilies, wrapped in tender wise:
  And compassed all about with roses sweet,
  And dainty violets from head to feet."

"There, thousand birds, all of celestial brood,
To him do sweetly carol day and night;
And with strange notes, of him well understood,
Lull him asleep in angelic delight:
  Whilst in sweet dream, to him presented be
  Immortal beauties, which no eye may see."

"But he them sees, and takes exceeding pleasure
Of their divine aspects, appearing plain;
And kindling love in him above all measure
Sweet love, still joyous, never feeling pain.
  For what so goodly form he there doth see,
  He may enjoy, from jealous rancour free."