The Secret Splendour

Amazed I hear tonight

A sudden chirrup of birds—

Undreamable delight

Of quivering magic words.

Why are they rich with joy

When hollow glooms surround?

What streams of fire upbuoy

Their tiny boats of sound?

O birds, whom do you praise

From your green slumbering height?

You have not seen Her face,

The wondrous Day of our night!—

Nor known Her quiet call

Out of the Spirit's deep

Arise to golden all

The penury of sleep!

My heart for ever sings,

From mortal glooms withdrawn.

Because her calm! mouth brings

A smile of deathless dawn.

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