168
AFTER SUNSET.
Those burnished doors of molten gold, steel-barred,
Which the sun closed behind him as he went
Into his bridal chamber—were to burst
Asunder with a clang, and in a breath
God's mysteries were revealed—His kingdom came—
The multitudes of heavenly messengers
Hastening throughout all space—the thunder quire
Of praise—the obedient lightnings' lambent gleam
Around the unseen Throne—should I not sink
Crushed by the weight of such beatitudes,
Crying, "Rest, only rest, thou merciful God!
Hide me within the hollow of Thy hand
In some dark corner of the universe,
Thy bright, full, busy universe, that blinds,
Deafens, and tortures—Give me only rest!"
Which the sun closed behind him as he went
Into his bridal chamber—were to burst
Asunder with a clang, and in a breath
God's mysteries were revealed—His kingdom came—
The multitudes of heavenly messengers
Hastening throughout all space—the thunder quire
Of praise—the obedient lightnings' lambent gleam
Around the unseen Throne—should I not sink
Crushed by the weight of such beatitudes,
Crying, "Rest, only rest, thou merciful God!
Hide me within the hollow of Thy hand
In some dark corner of the universe,
Thy bright, full, busy universe, that blinds,
Deafens, and tortures—Give me only rest!"
O for a soul-sleep, long and deep and still!
To lie down quiet after the weary day,
Dropping all pleasant flowers from the numbed hands,
Bidding good-night to all companions dear,
Drawing the curtains on this darkened world,
Closing the eyes, and with a patient sigh
Murmuring "Our Father"—fall on sleep, till dawn!
To lie down quiet after the weary day,
Dropping all pleasant flowers from the numbed hands,
Bidding good-night to all companions dear,
Drawing the curtains on this darkened world,
Closing the eyes, and with a patient sigh
Murmuring "Our Father"—fall on sleep, till dawn!
