All Heaven and Earth are still--though not in sleep, But breathless, as we grow when feeling most;[332] And silent, as we stand in thoughts too deep:-- All Heaven and Earth are still: From the high host Of stars, to the lulled lake and mountain-coast, All is concentered in a life intense, Where not a beam, nor air, nor leaf is lost, But hath a part of Being, and a sense Of that which is of all Creator and Defence.[333] XC. Then stirs the feeling infinite, so felt[kc] In solitude, where we are _least_ alone; A truth, which through our being then doth melt, And purifies from self: it is a tone, The soul and source of Music, which makes known[kd] Eternal harmony, and sheds a charm Like to the fabled Cytherea's zone,[334] Binding all things with beauty;--'twould disarm The spectre Death, had he substantial power to harm. XCI. Not vainly did the early Persian make[335] His altar the high places, and the peak Of earth-o'ergazing mountains,[19.B.] --and thus take A fit and unwalled temple, there to seek The Spirit, in whose honour shrines are weak Upreared of human hands. Come, and compare Columns and idol-dwellings--Goth or Greek-- With Nature's realms of worship, earth and air-- Nor fix on fond abodes to circumscribe thy prayer! XCII. The sky is changed!--and such a change! Oh Night,[20.B.] And Storm, and Darkness, ye are wondrous strong, Yet lovely in your strength, as is the light Of a dark eye in Woman![336] Far along, From peak to peak, the rattling crags among Leaps the live thunder! Not from one lone cloud, But every mountain now hath found a tongue, And Jura answers, through her misty shroud, Back to the joyous Alps, who call to her aloud! XCIII. And this is in the Night:--Most glorious Night![ke] Thou wert not sent for slumber! let me be A sharer in thy fierce and far delight,-- A portion of the tempest and of thee![kf] How the lit lake shines, a phosphoric sea,[kg] And the big rain comes dancing to the earth! And now again 'tis black,--and now, the glee Of the loud hills shakes with its mountain-mirth, As if they did rejoice o'er a young Earthquake's birth.[kh] XCIV.