REBIRTH

To me no mortal but a spirit blest,

A Light-girt messenger of Love art thou —

The radiant star of Hope upon thy brow.

The thrice-pure fire of Love within thy breast!

Thou comest to me as a heavenly guest,

As God's fulfilment of the purest vow

Love's heart e'er made — thou com'st to show e'en now

The Infinite, th’ Eternal and the Best!

I clasp thy feet,— O fold me in thy wings,

And place thy pure white hands upon my head,

And breathe, O breathe, thy love-breath o'er mine eyes

Till, like the flame that from dark ashes springs,

My chastened spirit, from a self that's dead,

Upon the wings of Love shall heav'nward rise.