Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
VI. ConsolationDeath in Youth
Philip James Bailey (18161902)From “Festus”
F
To pass from one world fresh into another,
Ere change hath lost the charm of soft regret,
And feel the immortal impulse from within
Which makes the coming life cry always, On!
And follow it while strong, is heaven’s last mercy.
There is a fire-fly in the south, but shines
When on the wing. So is ’t with mind. When once
We rest, we darken. On! saith God to the soul,
As unto the earth for ever. On it goes,
A rejoicing native of the infinite,
As is a bird, of air; an orb, of heaven.