(Lyra Eucharistica, 1863.)
I am pale with sick desire,
For my heart is far away
From this world's fitful fire
And this world's waning day;
In a dream it overleaps
A world of tedious ills
To where the sunshine sleeps
On th' everlasting hills.
Say the Saints--There Angels ease us
Glorified and white. 10
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. 20
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; 30
My best beloved 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 died for us.
Oh, my Soul, she beats her wings
And pants to fly away
Up to immortal Things
In the Heavenly day: 40
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.
