Poem by Digby Mackworth Dolben

* * *

Methought, through many years and lands,
 I sped along an arrowy flood,
That leapt and lapt my face and hands,
 I knew not were it fire or blood.

I saw no sun in any place;
 A ghastly glow about me spread,
Unlike the light of nights and days,
 From out the depth where writhe the dead.

I passed—their fleshless arms uprose
 To draw me to the depths beneath:
My eyes forgot the power to close,
 As other men's, in sleep or death.

I saw the end of every sin;
 I weighed the profit and the cost;
I felt Eternity begin,
 And all the ages of the lost.

The Crucifix was on my breast;
 I pressed the nails against my side;
And unto Him, Who knew no rest
 For thirty years, I turned and cried:

'Sweet Lord! I say not, give me ease;
 Do what Thou wilt, Thou doest good;
And all Thy saints went up to peace,
 In crowns of fire or robes of blood.'

1. Dinae Munusculum
2. There Was One Who Walked in Shadow
3. Good Night
4. Cave of Somnus
5. Requests

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