A Selection from the Lyrical Poems of Robert Herrick

261. THE WHITE ISLAND: OR PLACE OF THE BLEST

     In this world, the Isle of Dreams,
     While we sit by sorrow's streams,
     Tears and terrors are our themes,
     Reciting:

     But when once from hence we fly,
     More and more approaching nigh
     Unto young eternity,
     Uniting

     In that whiter Island, where
     Things are evermore sincere:
     Candour here, and lustre there,
     Delighting:—

     There no monstrous fancies shall
     Out of hell an horror call,
     To create, or cause at all
     Affrighting.

     There, in calm and cooling sleep,
     We our eyes shall never steep,
     But eternal watch shall keep,
     Attending

     Pleasures such as shall pursue
     Me immortalized, and you;
     And fresh joys, as never too
     Have ending.