Never yet was mortal smitten

By such secret truths unwritten,

Truths which never fail or fall.

There the King, in vesture splendid

Seen, but yet uncomprehended,

Passes to his palace gate;

To his bride, from his dominion,

He has sent on eagle’s pinion

Tidings of that mystic state.

Speak thou then her bridegroom’s splendor,