Page:The poetical works of Thomas Campbell.djvu/122

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102

To the Rainbow

Triumphal arch, that fill’st the sky  When storms prepare to part, I ask not proud Philosophy  To teach me what thou art—
Still seem, as to my childhood’s sight,  A midway station given For happy spirits to alight  Betwixt the earth and heaven.
Can all that Optics teach, unfold  Thy form to please me so, As when I dreamt of gems and gold  Hid in thy radiant bow?
When Science from Creation’s face  Enchantment’s veil withdraws, What lovely visions yield their place  To cold material laws!
And yet, fair bow, no fabling dreams,  But words of the Most High, Have told why first thy robe of beams  Was woven in the sky.
When o'er the green undeluged earth  Heaven's covenant thou didst shine, How came the world's grey fathers forth  To watch thy sacred sign.
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