“Whither?” cried I; and it answered, “Come up hither! for the day is dawning; Through the gates of amethyst and amber Shines the kindling glory of the morning.” Gazing upward, I beheld assurance of the day; Hopeful-hearted, O’er the mountain-path I took my way. ’Mid the pine trees Did I hear life’s drowsy pulses start, Swinging, singing, Making sweet, but mournful music, Thrilling, filling, All the lonely places of my heart. Then the embers of the morning, Smouldering on night’s funeral pyre, Kindling into sudden brightness, Lit the mountain-peaks with fire; And the quickened heart of Nature Answered from her Memnon lyre. Eager, earnest, still ascending, Toward the glories of the day, I could hear that voice my steps attending, With the matin-hymn of Nature blending, Ever crying, “Come up hither!” And I followed in the way. Bright the sky glowed with celestial splendor, Like the light of love from God’s own eyes; And the lofty mountains seemed to tender Back their crowns of glory to the skies. Far above me, In the hights so terrible and grand, I could see the glaciers gleaming In the hollow of the mountain’s hand. Flashing, dashing, From the steeps the foaming cataract poured, Over pathways Which the mighty avalanche had scored. Dim and ghostly Rose the silvery clouds of wreathéd spray, Rainbow-mantled, Vanishing in upper air away. Elfin shadows O’er my lonely pathway leaped and played, As the pine trees Dreamily their murmuring branches swayed. All the air seemed filled with voices, Which I ne’er had thought to hear again; And I fled, to leave behind me, Sounds of pleasure close allied to pain. Upward, onward, did I speed my way, Nearer to the perfect source of day. Awed by beauty and by terror, Tearful, prayerful, did I sink, Where the tender, blue-eyed gentian Bloomed upon the glacier’s brink. “Save me! O thou loving Lord!” I cried, “From the unforeseen intrusion Of this sad, but sweet delusion, From this strange and cruel semblance To the cherished love that long since died.