DE PROFUNDIS.

NOW I am cast into the serpent pit

And, catching difficult breath

From the writhing, loathsome, ceaseless stir of it,

The venomous whispers of curling, clasping Death,

I lift my soul out of the pit to Thee

And reaching with my soul to where Thou art

Look down, seeing with free heart

The beast God gave my soul for company

Lie with companions fit;

And bid, with a good will,

The serpent-fangs of ill

Take their foul fill

Of the foul fell it wore.

Though a thousand serpent heads were raised to slay,

A thousand twisting coils writhed where it lay,

There lies the beast, there let it lie for me

And agonize and rave;

For Thou has raised my soul, Thy soul, to Thee!

Thy soul, dear Lord, Thou hast been strong to save!