The Disembodied Spirit
By Hernando de Herrera
Pure Spirit! That within a form of clay
Once veiled the brightness of thy native sky;
In dreamless slumber sealed thy burning eye,
Nor heavenward sought to wing thy flight away!
He, that chastised thee, did at length unclose
Thy prison doors, and give thee sweet release;--
Unloosed the mortal coil, eternal peace
Received thee to its stillness and repose.
Look down once more from thy celestial dwelling,
Help me to rise and be immortal there,--
An earthly vapor melting into air;--
For my whole soul, with secret ardor swelling,
From earth’s dark mansion struggles to be free,
And longs to soar away and be at rest with thee.
