"Ah, now my heart, so sad and cold
With mists of its repining,
What will thou say to see once more
The cloud with silver lining?"
Source of light! when I leave this sphere,
Grant me a vision like this,
Mists and shadows rolling away
From the Paradise of bliss.
May I look thus on mounts of God,
The flash of temple spires,
And hear the deathless singers chant
From their harmonious lyres;
So may I close mine eyes on earth,
While heaven's pure light is breaking,
And some I know will fold me close,
In arms of love awaking.
Charge to the Knight of Malta
_Air--Stephenos_
Lo, a knight in armour standing,
Ready for the foe;
Thee we greet, belov'd Companion,
Thee we know.
Keep thine oath, oh new made soldier,
Pledged in heaven's sight;
Nor forget the vow thou'st taken,
Malta's knight.
By the banner, o'er us waving,
By thy lance at rest,
Chiefly by that Cross emblazoned
On thy breast.
In the heat of danger's trial,
Dare the fiercest fight;
No desertion, no denial,
Right or life!
See thou turn not from the conflict,
On the battle field,
Though men bear a dying soldier
On thy shield.
Let thy strong arm shield the helpless,
And the feeble save;
Mercy's voice the true knight knoweth,
And the brave.
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