An Inquiry

Speak, O speak, my angel fair,

Is there sadness everywhere —

Folly where the flower feedeth

Rapids where the river leadeth

To delight?

Is there, is there anything

An eternal joy can bring —

What is real and what but seemeth

Like a dream a dreamer dreameth

Thru the night?

Can there be, Angel of Love

Can there be bright homes above —

What is Life — and when it endeth

What is Death — why it descendeth

I implore?

Tell me, Angel, can it be

That thy hand is leading me —

Tell me, are these seraphs singing

Up in heaven, gladness bringing

Evermore?