Page:Poems Bushnell.djvu/28

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Outside

Of a child that years ago
Danced within the heartsome glow,
Light and pure as flake of snow;
And this pictured shadow-dance
Seems that childhood seen in trance.
Dancers sweet! you look divine
To these darkened eyes of mine,
And I gaze upon you, even
As an outcast into Heaven;
So will shadowy splendors fall
Far outside the jasper wall.

Hark! the vesper-bells are ringing
In the minster's solemn height.
   "Come," they say,
   "O, come and pray!"
Through the great doors slowly swinging,
'Twixt the darkness and the light,
I can see the white-robed choir,
And the candles' chastened fire
Up the arches pale aspire,
And the sculptured angel stand,
Holding out his stainless hand.
Should I to the altar steal,
Kneel where happy maidens kneel,
Like that one with upturned face,
Meeting Heaven's descending grace,
Hands crossed peaceful on her breast,
In a calm of prayerful rest,
Would her peace encircle me?
Would her freedom set me free?
No, fair saint, the peace is thine,
And the dark despair is mine.

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