OFT in still night-dreams a departed face Bends o'er me with sweet earnestness of eye, Wearing no more of earthly pains a trace, But all the tender pity that may lie On the clear brow of Immortality, Calm, yet profound. Soft rays illume that mien; Th' unshadowed moonlight of some far-off sky Around it floats transparently serene As a pure veil of waters. O rich Sleep! The spells are mighty in thy regions deep, To glorify with reconciling breath, Effacing, brightening, giving forth to shine Beauty's high truth; and how much more Divine Thy power when linked, in this, with thy strong brother -- Death! |