Happy those early days, when I Shined in my angel-infancy! Before I understood this place Appointed for my second race. - Henry Vaughan

I saw Eternity the other night Like a great ring of pure and endless light. All calm, as it was bright; And round beneath it, Time in hours, days, years, Driv'n by the spheres Like a vast shadow moved; in which the world And all her train were hurled.

Some men a forward motion love, But I by backward steps would move.

I see them walking in an air of glory Whose light doth trample on my days, My days, which are at best but dull and hoary, Mere glimmering and decays.