Out in the wild night she prayed —
"God! my soul is not afraid;
What is there 'twixt Thee and me
But my frail humanity?
"For this spirit — dark as death —
Death nor darkness injureth,
Only the grave-tapers show
Where Thy light begins to glow.
"For this body — racked and worn —
From Thy semblance crushed and torn
Let earth creep to kindred earth,
That Thy spirit may have birth.
"For this heart, it is not mine,
Wholly, infinitely Thine,
Brand of fire that burns and glows
Through this waste of endless snows.
"Love is love in earth or heaven;
Why should love from love be riven?
God! let all the people see
How Thy love can burn in me.
"But this people will not turn
Though my heart should glow and burn,
Break to flame — nor stay to weep.
Alien still the people keep.
"Oh, my people! mine by fire,
By my pain, love, grief, desire;
Mine for Thee to rouse and wake.
Keep me earth-bound for their sake.
"So, sweet death, be hard for me.
Sweeter far is earth than Thee;
Pass me — leave me till I bring
My people with me to their King."
