Because My Faltering Feet

Because my faltering feet may fail to dare

The first descendant of the steps of Hell

Give me the Word in time that triumphs there.

I too must pass into the misty hollow

Where all our living laughter stops: and hark!

The tiny stuffless voices of the dark

Have called me, called me, till I needs must follow:

Give me the Word and I'll attempt it well.

Say it's the little winking of an eye

Which in that issue is uncurtained quite;

A little sleep that helps a moment by

Between the thin dawn and the large daylight.

Ah! tell me more than yet was hoped of men;

Swear that's true now, and I'll believe it then.