24 DECEMBER 1870, Page 14

THE SOUL'S HISTORY.

(SUGGESTED BY A QUARTET OF BEETHOVEN, DECEMBER 19, 1570)

Forth on a new-born world with eager mien She gazed and marvelled, of herself aware The sovereign over realms exceeding fair, Where all sweet semblance worshipped her for queen : Yet must she fly beyond that sightly screen To sound rich depths of darkness otherwhere, Borne headlong in the rush of turbulent air And streams of mighty waters all unseen : Then through the darkness waxed a broader light, Dimmed by no cloud, pent by no earthly bars, Bursting with dayspring the firm gates of night : And past all creatures that fate makes and mars Serene, co-equal with the steadfast stars, She soared in royalty of fuller sight.