38 JEPHTHAH.
And feel Thy presence very near to-night!
I sink as with delight
Through places numberless with fervid fires
Of holiest desires
Into I know not what a cradle, made
Of subtle-shapéd shade,
And arms most perdurable. I am lost
In thought beyond all cost—
Nay, but my spirit breaks the slender chain
That held it down. The pain
Of death is past and I am free. Nay, I,
This body, dead, must lie
Till Thou come home again, O soaring Soul.
The gates supernal roll !
Flash through them, O white-winged, white-blossom
ghost !
Ah, God! for I am lost. -
[Jephthah remains motionless,
[Morning dawns.
Enter Jared, Soldters, Prophet.
SOLDIERS.
. Hail, captain! We are ready now for death,
Or victory, if shining wings are fain
To hover over dauntless hearts. Behold
Our ready bands to follow to the fray.
JEPHTHAH.
Welcome! hail ye this happy dawn as one