And Thou within a cloud of maiden white
Didst form that sun of radiating light,
Christ’s strong immaculate humanity,
Transparent monstrance of His Deity.
He, sinless, trod the brink of sin’s abyss
And for His love received a traitor’s kiss;
Then driven by thy soft compelling breath
He, who was Life, resigned himself to death.
He showed us that this fleshly house of sense
Is not a nomad tent or barrier fence,
But some fair chancel where thy vivid flame
Might find an altar and reveal His name.
Come, Holy Ghost, and breathe from sea to sea,
Give each his special fruit of liberty;
Tear from deceit the scintillating robe,
From Satan’s hands hurl down the rod and globe.
Break Thou the spirit of the lords of lust,
Whose passions scatter an infected dust;
Reduce the men for whom the poor have bled,
Who elevate their gold as God and Bread.
Grant me a mind that may become thy lyre,
A hate of hatred and a tongue of fire;
And mid the clamour of all transient things
Let me not miss the passage of thy wings.
XLVIII
“ADORA ET TACE”
Love only is the school of love,
And they who learn from Thee their art,
Will find thy presence from above
Touch altar, hand, and heart.
While others ask how Thou canst come,
Or tell me when Thou goest away,
Be mine to call Thee to my home,
And know that Thou wilt stay.
While others all their worship weigh,
And keenly blame the less or more,
Be mine my lowly best to pay,
“Be silent, and adore.”