Height upon Height

Height upon height, all washed by heavenly air
And crowned of heaven, I saw them rising free, —
Those heights of Love, where I was fain to be, —
And there I knew Love reigned, benign and fair,
With noble gifts for whoso enters there.
But, since between those heavenly heights and me
Stretched weary miles, with no compassionate tree
To shade me from the noon-tide's pitiless glare,

I paused brief while in a cool, wayside lane.
Under green boughs, and heard a strange bird sing;
But when I fain would struggle on again,
Lo, round me Elfin things had drawn their ring.
And clouds shut out from me Love's shining height,
And Fate's strong sword flashed threatening in my sight.