the sick child's lament.
65
"I thought that, robed in spotless white,—
A crown upon my head,—
Surrounded by a fairy band
Of children,—I was led
A crown upon my head,—
Surrounded by a fairy band
Of children,—I was led
"By a tall figure, clothed in black—
A scepter in his hand,
And every one to whom he spoke
Sprang forth at his command.
A scepter in his hand,
And every one to whom he spoke
Sprang forth at his command.
"He led us on through darksome scenes,
And damp unwholesome air;
And then there burst upon my sight,
A scene so heavenly fair—
And damp unwholesome air;
And then there burst upon my sight,
A scene so heavenly fair—
"A city, all of purest gold,
Set round with radiant gems,
And, every place I looked, I saw
Ten thousand diadems;
Set round with radiant gems,
And, every place I looked, I saw
Ten thousand diadems;
"And countless numbers tuned their harps,
In strains of music sweet;
And angels, bearing golden lyres,
Came forth our steps to greet.
In strains of music sweet;
And angels, bearing golden lyres,
Came forth our steps to greet.
