Songs and Sonnets (Coleman)/As Parsifal of Old
AS PARSIFAL OF OLD.
As Parsifal of old stood in the hall,
And saw with silent awe and wondering
The Holy Grail uncovered by the king—
Hearing within himself the still voice call;
So I, but newly wakened, rapt by all
The sweet enchantments that around me spring—
Beholding daily in each living thing
Love's miracle—am held in Beauty's thrall.
As Parsifal of old a knight became
And gave his powers to a holy quest—
All baser part consumed as by a flame—
So I am fain, at Love's divine behest,
To yield both heart and spirit to the claim
That life makes visible and manifest.