University of Virginia Library

XXXI
SECRETA

So long as we are exiled from God, we can scarcely escape sin.

Restoration

I came into the world for love of Thee,
I left Thee at Thy bidding;
I put off my white robes and shining crown
And came into this world for love of Thee.

I have lived in the grey light for love of Thee,
In mean and darken'd houses:
The scarlet fruits of knowledge and of sin
Have stain'd me with their juice for love of Thee.

I could not choose but sin for love of Thee,
From Thee so sadly parted;
I could not choose but put away my sin
And purge and scourge those stains for love of Thee.

---

337

My soul is sick with life for love of Thee,
Nothing can ease or fill me:
Restore me, past the frozen baths of death,
My crown and robes, desired for love of Thee:

And take me to Thyself for love of Thee;
My loss or gain counts little,
But Thou must need me since I need Thee so,
Crying through day and night for love of Thee!

The wings of the dove would not carry us into rest, for a bird's flight bears the same relation to progress that a sandcastle bears to Mont Salvatch in the Pyrenees.