Passion

Methought there came from heaven above
An angel in heaven's beauty clad,
Bearing a talisman of love,
That over earth dominion had;
She flung her amulet on me,
I bowed—what could I do, to ward
That heaven-directed witchery,
I, a poor sighing, tremulous bard?

'Twas love that formed her—love that fill'd
Her frame with spirit—when I heard
Her name, my heart with transport thrill'd,
A heavenly echo was the word!
A voice descended—sounds divine
Pour'd heavenly music on mine ears;
Sweet voices uttering—"She is thine,
And thou, blest son of song! art hers."

Yes! I am thine—this thought alone
Fills all my soul with ecstacy,
And two divided hearts are one;
O wonderous miracle! to see
Such blending—such dissolving bliss!
Two hearts—one feeling—one desire—
A doubled joy concentred—this,
This only could love's power inspire.

But midst life's transitory things,
Love must be transient—time, which flies
With all life's treasures on its wings,
Will not forget life's ecstacies.
Yet, come what may—and chance what will,
If love and faith in union be,
There will be bliss in loving still,
And this shall be a bliss for me.