Matin Bells and Scarlet and Gold By "F. Harald Williams"[i.e. F. W. O. Ward]. First Edition |
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MY BRIDAL-CHAMBER. |
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 | Matin Bells and Scarlet and Gold |  |
MY BRIDAL-CHAMBER.
O I am waiting for my Lord to come,And dwell within the compass of this breast
Empalaced by Him as a fitting home,
Wherein He may a little while take rest,
Unworthy I shall ever be, but yet
I daily purge my humble house and sweep
The dim and dusty rooms for Him, and set
A table garnished with obeisance deep.
And I have emptied it of all things vile
By penitence of tears and holy fast,
To win one word of welcome or a smile
Which would bestow a bountiful repast.
I do renounce the squalid world and mean
Delights that only humour the vain flesh,
And make myself mere nothingness but clean
Whereon he can at pleasure build afresh.
The vacant chair stands ready for His seat,
A willing mind in duteous homage bent,
Responsive to His touch, that He may eat
And drink of utter love and be content.
This pure heart is prepared by sweetest thought
Like bridal-chambers with fair linen white
To take its King and Husband in, and wrought
Thereby with Him to beauty infinite.
| Matin Bells and Scarlet and Gold | |