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The Light Celestial.

(Written on the ter-centenary of John Milton, December 9, 1908.)

Immortal singer, in whose glorious brain

Unearthly melodies were born to make

A nocturn for the blessed Master's sake,

I see thee pass through heaven's gates again;

I hear thee singing that majestic strain,

Which soothed the heart affliction could not break,

And proved the faith no worldly ills could shake;

And then I see thee join God's holy train,

But, wonder of all wonders! where the light

Breaks from a thousand suns, the seraphs, shod

With flaming sandals, lead thee; and my sight

Dims with the vision, till fresh from His rod,

I see thee lift those orbs, once quenched in night,

And gaze into the steadfast eyes of God!