Precious Opal in virid

I.

Whence came ye, Cherubs? from the moon? Or from a shining star? Ye, sure, are sent, a blessed boon, From kinder worlds afar; For while I look, my heart is all delight: Earth has no creatures half so pure and bright.

II.

From moon, nor star, we hither flew; The moon doth wane away; The stars — they pale at morning dew: We 're children of the day; Nor change, nor night, was ever ours to bear; Eternal light, and love, and joy, we share.

III.

Then, sons of light, from Heaven above, Some blessed news ye bring. Come ye to chant eternal love, And tell how angels sing, And in your breathing, conscious forms to show How purer forms above live, breathe, and glow?

IV.

Our parent is a human mind; His winged thoughts are we; To sun, nor stars, are we confined: We pierce the deepest sea. Moved by a Brother's call, our Father bade Us light on earth: and here our flight is stayed.

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The Chanting Cherubs

Richard Henry Dana  1815-1882

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