THE VIGIL
This only, Lord: what shall my gladness be
Who fight disheartened in life's phantom sea?
To make the bridge whereon they cross to me!
Who fight disheartened in life's phantom sea?
To make the bridge whereon they cross to me!
What am I, Lord, that I should strive with fate?
Bring on the dawn, before it be too late!
My Son, the dawn shall come, and thou wilt wait!
Bring on the dawn, before it be too late!
My Son, the dawn shall come, and thou wilt wait!
·········
Yea, Lord, and I lie broken in thy hand.
Heat me white hot, to forge as thou hast planned.
Fear not, my Son, but I shall understand!
Heat me white hot, to forge as thou hast planned.
Fear not, my Son, but I shall understand!
Melt out my yielded soul in one red stream,
Perchance through thy white furnace hope may gleam—
My Son, a rest thou hast not dared to dream!
Perchance through thy white furnace hope may gleam—
My Son, a rest thou hast not dared to dream!
[ 7 ]