Hymn to the Spirit of Nature

written by


« Reload image

LIFE of Life! thy lips enkindle
With their love the breath between them;
And thy smiles before they dwindle
Make the cold air fire: then screen them
In those locks where whoso gazes 5
Faints entangled in their mazes.

Child of Light! thy limbs are burning
Through the veil which seems to hide them
As the radiant lines of morning
Through thin clouds ere they divide them; 10
And this atmosphere divinest
Shrouds thee wheresoe'er thou shinest.

Fair are others: none beholds thee;
But thy voice sounds low and tender
Like the fairest for it folds thee 15
From the sight that liquid splendour;
And all feel yet see thee never
As I feel now lost for ever!

Lamp of Earth! where'er thou movest
Its dim shapes are clad with brightness 20
And the souls of whom thou lovest
Walk upon the winds with lightness
Till they fail as I am failing
Dizzy lost yet unbewailing!

© Percy Bysshe Shelley