III
Beyond all harm, all ambush, and all hate,
Tranquil of face, and strong at heart, she stands,
And knows till death, and scorns, and understands
All evil things that on her passage wait.
Thou hast in ward and keeping every gate,
The winds breathe sweetness at thy sweet commands,
Might'st thou but take, when with these restless hands
I lay at thine untroubled feet my fate!
Even now there shines before me in thy meek
And holy hands the Host, like to a sun.
Have I attained, have I then paid the price?
She, that is favourable to all that seek,
Lifting the Host, declares: Now is begun
And ended the eternal sacrifice!