That all the jarring notes of life And so the shadows fall apart, John Greenleaf Whittier. ENTICED. I. W from room to room, ITH what clear guile of gracious love enticed, I follow forward, as Through doors that open into light from gloom, To find, and lose, and find again the Christ! He stands and knocks, and bids me ope the door; Without he stands, and asks to enter in : Why should he seek a shelter sad with sin? Will he but knock and ask, and nothing more? He knows what ways I take to shut my heart, My foolish fastenings, or by force break through, Nor wait till I fulfil my needless part. ENTICED. But nay, he will not choose to enter so, Nor, though I say "Come in," is he content; He shall not go; I do arise and ope, 66 Come in, dear Lord, come in and sup O blessed guest, and let me sup with thee,” Where is the door? for in this dark I grope, And cannot find it soon enough; my hand, The door between is some command undone; 225 Which door, dear Lord? knock, speak, that I may know; Nor longer doubt which way my feet must go. Full lief and soon this door would open too, Not spreading light, but lighting to the light, Now steady, hand, for good speed's sake be slow, One straight right aim, a pulse of pressure, so, How small, how great, the change from dark to bright! II. Now he is here, I seem no longer here! This place of light is not my chamber dim, And host, not guest, he breaks the bread of cheer. I was borne onward at his greeting, — he Earthward had come, but heavenward I had gone; Drawing him hither, I was thither drawn, Scarce welcoming him to hear him welcome me! And feel his heart, and time my heart thereby; A little while I lie upon his heart, Feasting on love, and loving there to feast, And then, once more, the shadows are increased Around me, and I feel my Lord depart. Again alone, but in a farther place I sit with darkness, waiting for a sign; Again I hear the same sweet plea divine, And suit, outside, of hospitable grace. WEARINESS. This is his guile, - he makes me act the host So, on and on, through many an opening door 227 From brightening court to court of Christ, my King, Hope-led, love-fed, I journey evermore. At last I trust these changing scenes will cease; Must wander on through hopes and fears, Must ache and bleed beneath your load; Where toil shall cease and rest begin, O little hands! that weak or strong Have still so long to give or ask; I, who so much with book and pen Am weary, thinking of your task. O little hearts! that throb and beat Such limitless and strong desires; Now covers and conceals its fires. O little souls! as pure and white And crystalline as rays of light Direct from heaven, their source divine; Refracted through the mist of years, How red my setting sun appears, How lurid looks this soul of mine! Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. TOUJOURS AMOUR. RITHEE tell me, Dimple-Chin, At what age does love begin? |