XI

She lies within an icy vault;

It glitters like a cave of salt.

All marble-pure and angel-sweet

With candles at her head and feet,

Under an ermine robe she lies.

I kiss her hands, I kiss her eyes:

“Come back, come back, O Love, I pray,

Into this house, this house of clay!

Answer my kisses soft and warm;

Nestle again within my arm.

Come! for I know that you are near;

Open your eyes and look, my dear.

Just for a moment break the mesh;

Back from the spirit leap to flesh.

Weary I wait; the night is black;

Love of my life, come back, come back!”