Sonnet: 'As from the darkening gloom a silver dove'

As from the darkening gloom a silver dove

      Upsoars, and darts into the eastern light,

      On pinions that nought moves but pure delight,

So fled thy soul into the realms above,

Regions of peace and everlasting love;

      Where happy spirits, crown'd with circlets bright

      Of starry beam, and gloriously bedight,

Taste the high joy none but the blest can prove.

There thou or joinest the immortal quire

      In melodies that even heaven fair

Fill with superior bliss, or, at desire,

      Of the omnipotent Father, cleav'st the air

On holy message sent—What pleasure 's higher?

      Wherefore does any grief our joy impair?