Manfred’s Farewell to the Sun

(Manfred, Act iii. Scene 2.)

GLORIOUS Orb! the idol

Of early nature, and the vigorous race

Of undiseased mankind, the giant sons

Of the embrace of angels, with a sex

More beautiful than they, which did draw down

The erring spirits who can ne’er return—

Most glorious orb! that wert a worship, ere

The mystery of thy making was reveal’d!

Thou earliest minister of the Almighty,

Which gladden’d, on their mountain tops, the hearts

Of the Chaldean shepherds, till they pour’d

Themselves in orisons! Thou material God,

And representative of the Unknown—

Who chose thee for His shadow! Thou chief star,

Centre of many stars! which mak’st our earth

Endurable, and temperest the hues

And hearts of all who walk within thy rays!

Sire of the seasons! Monarch of the climes,

And those who dwell in them! for near or far,

Our inborn spirits have a tint of thee

Even as our outward aspects;—thou dost rise,

And shine, and set in glory. Fare thee well!

I ne’er shall see thee more. As my first glance

Of love and wonder was for thee, then take

My latest look: thou wilt not beam on one

To whom the gifts of life and warmth have been

Of a more fatal nature. He is gone:

I follow.