University of Virginia Library

Proeme

THE SOVEREIGN VOICE SPAKE, ONCE MORE, IN MINE EAR:
“WRITE, NOW, A SONG UNSTAINED BY ANY TEAR!”
“WHAT SHALL I WRITE?” I SAID: THE VOICE REPLIED:
“WRITE WHAT WE TELL THEE OF THE CRUCIFIED!”
“HOW SHALL I WRITE,” I SAID, “WHO AM NOT MEET
ONE WORD OF THAT SWEET SPEAKING TO REPEAT?”
“IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO THEE! DO THIS THING!”
ANSWERED THE VOICE: “WASH THY LIPS CLEAN, AND SING!”