Answer me, burning stars of night,
Where is the spirit gone,
That past the reach of human sight,
As a swift breeze hath flown?
And the stars answer'd me: "We roll
In light and power on high;
But of the never-dying soul
Ask that which cannot die."
O many-toned and chainless wind,
Thou art a wanderer free;
Tell me if thou its place canst find,
Far over mount and sea?
And the wind murmur'd in reply:
"The blue deep I have cross'd,
And met its barks and billows high,
But not what thou hast lost."
Ye clouds that gorgeously repose
Around the setting sun,
Answer - Have ye a home for those
Whose earthly race is run?
The bright clouds answer'd: "We depart,
We vanish from the sky;
Ask what is deathless in thy heart
For that which cannot die."
Speak, then, thou voice of God within,
Thou of the deep low tone;
Answer me, through life's restless din -
Where is the spirit flown?
And the voice answer'd: "Be thou still;
Enough to know is given;
Clouds, winds, and stars their part fulfil;
Thine is to trust in Heaven."
