Oh, may we know Love at earth's midnight cold?
Or see Love by the radiant light of day?
Or doth God dwell in heavenly heights away,
And all unseen His beauteous works unfold?
Aye, we may see Him, like the seers of old,
Through eyes that scorn the senses' darkening sway,
By understanding's light illumined: nay,
Look not afar, Love here thou mayest behold!
Thou Love may'st see when mists of self depart,
That hide God's image from thy slumbering eyes;
When o'er the barren soil Love's stream doth start,
And fertile make it till fresh flowers arise
Of joy and tenderness upon the heart!
Who loving lives, he Love alone espies!
