Littell's Living Age/Volume 173/Issue 2244/Echoes

by F. W. B.

As one who walks upon a windy night,
     Through unknown streets, to reach the minster door,
Guides not his footsteps by the gusty light,
     But by the clangor that the wild bells pour;
     Yet oft he pauses, when in the wind's roar
Some louder echo calls him left or right;
And much he joys when, full of angels bright,
     He sees the great rose-window flame before.

So if the wanderer in life's ways attend
     To catch the heavenly carillon, above
     Its earthly echoes, nature, art, and love;
Then in his ears, as earth's sweet voices end,
     The bells sound clearer, and before his eyes
     Bright windows open in the darkening skies.