VIII. Hymen's torch with hallow'd fire I clasp the Fair, and kindling at the view, transport true. IX. Hence, false delusive dreams, Fantastic hopes and mortal passions vain! Ascend, my soul to nobler themes Of happier import and sublimer strain. Rising from this sphere of night, Pierce yon blue vault, ingemm'd with golden fires; Beyond where Saturn's languid car retires, To worlds from every dross terrene refined, Warm with the radiance of unchanging day : Explore the wonders of the sky, From orb to orb with guides celestial soar, The newborn soul beholds th' angelic face Of holy Sires, that throng the blissful plain, Long-sever'd friends, in transport doubly dear, Unite and join th' interminable train And hark! a well-known voice I hear, I spy my sainted friend! I meet my Howe* again! XI. Hail, sacred shade! for not to dust consign'd, Lost in the grave, thine ardent spirit lies, Nor fail'd that warm benevolence of mind What radiant glory and celestial grace, * Rev. Joseph Howe, pastor of a church in Boston, sometime a fellow-tutor with the author at Yale-College. He died in 1775. The conclusion of the Ode was varied, by inserting this tribute of affection. Teach me, like thee, to feel and know With heart expansive, through this scene improve To heavenly hopes alone aspire and prize The virtue, knowledge, bliss and glory of the skies. |