Page:Poems (IA poems00harp).pdf/83

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LET THE LIGHT ENTER.
71
Let the Light Enter.
The dying words of Goethe.

"Light! more light! the shadows deepen,
And my life is ebbing low,
Throw the windows widely open:
Light more light! before I go.

"Softly let the balmy sunshine
Play around my dying bed,
E'er the dimly lighted valley
I with lonely feet must tread.

"Light! more light! for Death is weaving
Shadows 'round my waning sight,
And I fain would gaze upon him
Through a stream of earthly light."

Not for greater gifts of genius;
Not for thoughts more grandly bright,
All the dying poet whispers
Is a prayer for light, more light.

Heeds he not the gathered laurels,
Fading slowly from his sight;
All the poet's aspirations
Centre in that prayer for light.