Safe in their Alabaster Chambers—
Untouched by Morning
And untouched by Noon—
Sleep the meek members of the Resurrection—
Rafter of satin
And Roof of stone

Light laughs the breeze
In her Castle above them—
Babbles the Bee in a stolid Ear
Pipe the Sweet Birds in gorant cadence—
Ah, what sagacity perished here!

Version of 1862

*****

Safe in their Alabaster Chambers—
Untouched by Morning
And untouched by Noon—
Lie the meek members of the Resurrection—
Rafter of Satin—and Roof of Stone!

Grand go the Years—in the Crescent—above them—
Worlds scoop their Arcs—
And Firmaments—row—
Diadems—drop—and Doges—surrender—
Soundless as dots—on a Disc of Snow—