PAEANS
Reading edition
Oh! I will hold fast to Joy! I will not let him depart— He shall close his beautiful rainbow wings And sing his song in my heart.
And I will live with Delight! I will know what the children know When they dance along with the April wind To find where the catkins grow!
I will dream the old, old dreams, And look for pixie and fay In shadowy woods—and out on the hills— As we did but yesterday.
Love I will keep in my soul— Ay! even by lock and key! There is nothing to fear in all of the world If Love will but stay with me.
No, I will not let Faith go! I will say with my latest breath— I know there's a new and radiant road On the other side of Death.