England's Antiphon

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II.

No sound is uttered,--but a deep
And solemn harmony pervades
The hollow vale from steep to steep, And penetrates the glades.
Far distant images draw nigh,
Called forth by wondrous potency
Of beamy radiance, that imbues
Whate'er it strikes with gem-like hues. In vision exquisitely clear,
Herds range along the mountain side, And glistening antlers are descried, And gilded flocks appear.
Thine is the tranquil hour, purpureal Eve! But long as godlike wish or hope divine Informs my spirit, ne'er can I believe That this magnificence is wholly thine! From worlds nor quickened by the sun A portion of the gift is won;
An intermingling of heaven's pomp is spread On ground which British shepherds tread!


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