Amid the somber shades and deep'ning hush
Of night and gathering storm; thro' paths o'ergrown
With tangled underbrush, the serpent's lair,
Seeking in solitude the place of prayer,
Jesus went up alone.
Alone and unafraid; no lurking foe
But shrank aside as the calm footstep passed.
To wearied feet, how steep the long ascent!
To troubled thought, how drear the sky's portent,
By angry clouds o'ercast!
Yet he to whom diviner sense revealed
Love's power and presence, pure and changeless calm,
Love's reign and rule in might and tenderness,
To him there came through outward storm and stress,
Nor threat nor fear of harm.
From Soul-communion in that solemn hour,
Conqueror he came, in majesty sublime,
Feet shod with peace, to walk the raging sea.
Master, we long the watch to share with thee!
We, too, the mount would climb!
