The Secret Splendour

"O Divine Adorable Mere..."

No words can tell down what enkindled ways

Those unassuming footsteps earthward fare—

What mysteries inviolate make her bear

Beauty like benediction on her face....

In vain the wilful visionary soar!

O not by keen conceiving is she known:

Our very self must mingle with her own.

Descend, O seer, from your majestic top

Of azure contemplation, learn to implore,

With sightless awe and frailty's fear of sin,

Disclosure of the unutterable Grace

Whose image is her blissful countenance!

Enclasp her feet in prostrate ignorance,

With simple love sweeter than prayer or praise,

Till, from the measureless vacancy within,

A holy gleam is shed on the dark gaze

And the still heart c rinks heaven drop by drop.

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