When for eternal worlds we steer,
And seas are calm, and skies are clear,
And faith in lively exercise.
And distant hills of Canaan rise,
The soul for joy then claps her wings,
And loud the lovely sonnet sings,—
I’m going home.
With cheerful hope her eyes explore
Each landmark of the distant shore—
The trees of life, the pastures green,
The golden streets, and crystal stream—
Again with joy she claps her wings,
And loud the lovely sonnet sings,—
I’m almost home.
The nearer still she comes to land,
More eager all her powers expand,
With steady helm and flowing sail
Her anchor drops within the veil;
And now with joy she folds her wings,
And the celestial sonnet sings,—
I’m safe at home.