Invocation

I called on dreams and visions, to disclose That which is veil'd from waking thought; conjured Eternity, as men constrain a ghost To appear and answer. ~ WORDSWORTH. Answer me, burning stars of night! Where is the spirit gone, That past the reach of human sight, As a swift breeze hath flown?– And the stars answer'd me–'We roll In light and power on high; But, of the never-dying soul, Ask that which cannot die.' Oh! many-toned and chainless wind! Thou art a wanderer free; Tell me if thou its place canst find, Far over mount and sea?– And the wind murmur'd in reply, 'The blue deep I have cross'd, And met its barks and billows high, But not what thou hast lost.' Ye clouds, that gorgeously repose Around the setting sun, Answer! have ye a home for those Whose earthly race is run? The bright clouds answer'd–'We depart, We vanish from the sky; Ask what is deathless in thy heart, For that which cannot die.' Speak then, thou voice of God within, Thou of the deep, low tone! Answer me, thro' life's restless din, Where is the spirit flown? And the voice answer'd–'Be thou still! Enough to know is given; Clouds, winds, and stars their part fulfil, Thine is to trust in Heaven.'