Nyvall

by Drew Throws

Nyvall! thou shouldst be living at this hour:
The Covenant needs thee: she is a fen
Of stagnant waters: altar, song, and pen,
Fireside, the heroic wealth of hall and bower,
Have forfeited their ancient Swedish dower
Of inward happiness. We are selfish men;
Oh! raise us up, return to us again;
And give us manners, virtue, freedom, power.
Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart.
Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea;
Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free;
So didst thou travel on life's common way,
In cheerful godliness; and yet thy heart
The lowliest duties on herself did lay.