What is Heaven? not a steep,
Frowning o'er the sands of time,
Guarded like a castle's keep,
Which the strong can only climb!
'Tis an ever-present bliss
In the soul, by God refined;
'Tis that better world, in this,
Which the pure in spirit find.
Where is Heaven? Wheresoe'er
Lives a pure and loving heart;
Love is all the atmosphere,
Where the holy dwell apart;
Men and angels mingle there,
Whether earth be passed or not.
Heaven is here, and everywhere,
If the evil be forgot.—
