Now hearken! — Led, methought, by God's own Hand

Now hearken! — Led, methought, by God's own Hand,
I wander'd in a world of gracious things,
Heaven was above, all round was Fairyland
Music of singing brooks and crystal springs,—
Each flower that blossoms and each bird that sings
Promised the Paradise which Love had planned,
Spake of the spirits who at his command
Bare peace from star to star on happy wings.
I heard the Promise wheresoe'er I went,
I saw it rainbow'd yonder in the Sky,
Yea, even when the Heavens were lightning-rent,
I saw the radiant hosts go shining by, —
I look'd and listen'd, calm and well-content,
And little guess' d that Promise was a Lie!