quote · Legacy record
As through the artist’s intervening glass Our eye observes the distant planets pass, A little we discover, but allow That more remains unseen than art can show: So whilst our mind its knowledge would improve, (Its feeble eye intent on things above,) High as we may we lift our reason up, By Faith directed, and confirmed by Hope: Yet we are able only to survey Dawnings of beams, and promises of day. Heaven’s fuller effluence mocks our dazzled sight; Too great its swiftness, and too strong its light: But soon the ’mediate clouds shall be dispelled; The sun shall then be face to face beheld, In all his robes, with all his glory on, Seated sublime on his meridian throne.
As through the artist’s intervening glass Our eye observes the distant planets pass, A little we discover, but allow That more remains unseen than art can show: So whilst our mind its knowledge would improve, (Its feeble eye intent on things above,) High as we may we lift our reason up, By Faith directed, and confirmed by Hope: Yet we are able only to survey Dawnings of beams, and promises of day. Heaven’s fuller effluence mocks our dazzled sight; Too great its swiftness, and too strong its light: But soon the ’mediate clouds shall be dispelled; The sun shall then be face to face beheld, In all his robes, with all his glory on, Seated sublime on his meridian throne.
Approximate author period: c. 1692 AD · renaissance
Meaning not yet available
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Begin with source-checked readings and explanations ↗Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Matthew Prior
Attribution: attributed - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Approximate author period: c. 1692 AD · renaissance
author lifetime midpoint (1664–1721)
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888) (1888 AD)
Page 290 · printed citation: Prior · subject: HEAVEN—HEAVENS
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