Thecla: a Voice from the World of Spirits

"WHERE I am, and Whitherward I fleeted,
When my spirit was from Earth removed?"

Wherefore ask me? Is not all completed?
I have lived, lived long, for I have loved!

Tell me where the nightingale reposes
Which with soulful music fugitive

Charmed thy dolour in the Days of Roses!
When she ceased to love she ceased to live.

"Have I found anew the dear Departed?"
Oh, believe me, I am blent with him,

There, where Peace unites the Faithfulhearted,
Where no sorrow makes the bright eye dim.

There thou too, if meek in mind and lowly,
Mayest behold us when thy Night is o'er,

There embrace our father, healed and holy,
Whom the bloody steel can reach no more.

There he sees how truthful were the feelings
Born of gazing on yon starry sphere:

allenstein. 2 An allusion to Wallenstein's astrological studies.

Blest are they who cherish such revealings!
Unto them the Holy One is near,

Far above the sapphire spaces yonder
Souls achieve what Men in vain essay — •

Therefore venture thou to dream and wander —
Mysteries often lurk in childish play.