A PRAYER FOR LIGHT.

Oh, give me light, to-day, or let me die,—

The light of love, the love-light of the sky,—

That I, at length, may see my darling's face

One minute's space.

Have I not wept to know myself so weak

That I can feel, not see, the dimpled cheek,

The lips, the eyes, the sunbeams that enfold

Her locks of gold?

Have I not sworn that I will not be wed,

But mate my soul with hers on my death-bed?

The soul can see,— for souls are seraphim,—

When eyes are dim.

Oh, hush! she comes. I know her. She is nigh.

She brings me death, true heart, and I will die.

She brings me love, for love and life are one

Beyond the sun.

This is the measure, this, of all my joys:

Life is a curse and Death's a counterpoise.

Give me thy hand, O sweet one, let me know

Which path I go.

I cannot die if thou be not a-near,

To lead me on to Life's appointed sphere.

O spirit-face, O angel, with thy breath

Kiss me to death!