The Firmament.
When I survey the bright1
Celestial Sphere :2
So rich with jewels hung, that night3
Doth like an Ethiop bride appear :4
My soul her wings doth spread,5
And Heaven-ward flies,6
The Almighty’s mysteries to read7
In the large volumes of the skies.8
For the bright firmament9
Shoots forth no flame10
So silent, but is eloquent11
An speaking the Creator’s name.12
No unregarded star13
Contracts its light14
Into so small a character,15
Remov’d far from our humane sight :16
But if we steadfast look,17
We shall discern18
In it, as in some holy book,19
How man may heavenly knowledge learn.20
Thus those celestial fires,21
Though seeming mute,22
The fallacy of our desires23
And all the pride of life confute.24
For they have watched since first25
The world had birth :26
And found sin in itself accurst,27
And nothing permanent on earth.28