Classic Poem

GOLD-WINGED SPIRITS

Two gold-winged spirits went
Towards heaven well content:
In fiery dream
To blend they seem,
And the veil of heaven was rent.

Then through and through
The gleaming blue
These wedded spirits passed,
Till they reached God's throne at last,
And God's own rapture knew.

Rapture supreme, unending,
For ever downward sending
Love-glory like a gleam;
And the crown upon the man
Was a wreath so sweet, so wan,
Of the old flower of love's dream,
The meadow-sweet she gave
On earth's side of the grave:
And the crown upon the bride
Was the pain-wreath scarlet-dyed
Of the lover by her side.