363. Before the Dawn

THOU, for whom words have exhausted their sweetness—

Thou, the All-End of all human desire—

Thou, in whose Presence the ages are hourless,

Gather me nigher!

Husht in the chambers where Reason lies sleeping,

Ere the Day claim us, to which we are told,—

Wrapped in the veil of Thy slumbering Beauty,

Fold me, oh fold!

Fill me afresh with the wonder of wakening—

Draw me again with Thy splendour and might—

Open my lids but a moment, and grant me

Sight of Thy sight!

Out of the furthest high Throne of Thy Dwelling,

A motionless Flame on the Bosom of Thought,

Deign to uncover Thyself, O Eternal

Seeker and Sought!

Pure in the Body that offers Thee homage,

Blest in the Thought that embraces Thee far,

Next to Thy secret and innermost Breathing

Thy worshippers are!

Forth to the Day that I know not awaiting,

Out to the highway Thy glory hath trod,

Glad as a child, and as passionless, fearless,

Lead me, O God!