The Death of Prester John
And sings the lauds of God all night in a sweet voice and a clear,
And sings the lauds of God all night until the dawn of day.
"And when the watching soul hath waked until the morning rise,
A wind comes rushing with the dawn, a wind of youth and mirth;
And down the breeze a maiden moveth, flying Angel-wise;
And deeper is the joy o' the soul than all the joy of earth.
"The maid shall take his hands in hers and 'Welcome,' shall she say,
'Behold thy Conscience! look at me! Thou art my master, thou!
For I was fair, but thou hast made me fairer than the day.
And I was bright; but turn, O Soul, and gaze upon me now!'
"Behold the Saints, in ranks of bliss, shall throng on either hand
And press to greet them amorously: 'Whence camest thou? and when?
Ah, say how fares the world of earth, the loving, sorrowing land?
Art thou content with Heaven, O Soul, after the life of men?'
"But One shall speak: 'Be patient, Spirits! The will of God is best!
Respect the Soul, who, weary from the dolorous pass and sore.
Enjoys eternal bliss at last and enters into rest—
But ask him not—ye may not ask! if he would live once more.
UNVIN BROTHERS, PRINTERS, WOKING AND LONDON.
