(Lyra Eucharistica, 1863.)
I am pale with sick desire, For my heart is far awayFrom this world's fitful fire And this world's waning day;In a dream it overleaps A world of tedious illsTo where the sunshine sleeps On th' everlasting hills. Say the Saints—There Angels ease us Glorified and white. They say—We rest in Jesus, Where is not day nor night.
My Soul saith—I have sought For a home that is not gained,I have spent yet nothing bought, Have laboured but not attained;My pride strove to rise and grow, And hath but dwindled down;My love sought love, and lo! Hath not attained its crown. Say the Saints—Fresh Souls increase us, None languish nor recede. They say—We love our Jesus, And He loves us indeed.
I cannot rise above, I cannot rest beneath,I cannot find out Love, Nor escape from Death;Dear hopes and joys gone by Still mock me with a name;My best belovèd die And I cannot die with them. Say the Saints—No deaths decrease us, Where our rest is glorious. They say—We live in Jesus, Who once dièd for us.
Oh, my Soul, she beats her wings And pants to fly awayUp to immortal Things In the Heavenly day:Yet she flags and almost faints; Can such be meant for me?Come and see—say the Saints. Saith Jesus—Come and see. Say the Saints—His Pleasures please us Before God and the Lamb. Come and taste My Sweets—saith Jesus-- Be with Me where I am.