Poems (Argent)/Cathedral Chimes

by Alice Emily Argent

CATHEDRAL CHIMES.

"Bells—the music nighest bordering upon heaven."
C. Lamb.

FAR away I heard them
 Through the tranquil air,
In the distance pealing,
Like sweet voices stealing
 Through a world so fair.

Beautiful and wondrous
 Was that ringing chime,
In the twilight dying,
Falling softly, sighing
 To a mystic rhyme.

All was still around me
 By the river dim,
As I stood and listened
By the waves that glistened
 Round its utmost rim.

In the wind's low murmur
 Through the leafy trees,
Louder came the measure
Of that tuneful pleasure,
 'Cross the sleeping seas!

Like a white-winged angel,
 Down from starry skies,
Those sweet chimes came o'er me,
Upwards, onward bore me
 Through life's mysteries.

All in silver shadows
 Lay the waters wide,
Through the meadows gleaming
Fitful rays went streaming
 Idly o'er the tide.

Mingling all in chorus,
 Bird and bell and bee,
All the earth in singing
Joined in that grand ringing,
 Subtlest melody!

Till my soul was wakened
 To a higher power,
Life seemed not so dreary,
Heart and brain less weary,
 For that calm, bright hour.

Such a calm as angels,
 In the fields above,
Feel with untold gladness,
Ne'er a thought of sadness
 In their perfect love.

Far away I heard them,
 Beautiful and fair,
In the distance pealing,
Like sweet voices stealing
 Through the tranquil air!