THE BEATIFIC VISION

Then Bernard smiled at me, that I should gaze

But I had gazed already; caught the view,

Faced the unfathomable ray of rays

Which to itself and by itself is true.

Then was my vision mightier than man's speech;

Speech snapt before it like a flying spell;

And memory and all that time can teach

Before that splendid outrage failed and fell.

As when one dreameth and remembereth not

Waking, what were his pleasures or his pains,

With every feature of the dream forgot,

The printed passion of the dream remains:—

Even such am I; within whose thoughts resides

No picture of that sight nor any part

Nor any memory: in whom abides

Only a happiness within the heart,

A secret happiness that soaks the heart

As hills are soaked by slow unsealing snow,

Or secret as that wind without a chart

Whereon did the wild leaves of Sibyl go.

O light uplifted from all mortal knowing,

Send back a little of that glimpse of thee.

That of its glory I may kindle glowing

One tiny spark for all men yet to be.