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Reading edition
REBIRTH
To me no mortal but a spirit blest, A Light-girt messenger of Love art thou— The radiant star of Hope upon thy brow. The thrice-pure fire of Love within thy breast! Thou comest to me as a heavenly guest, As God's fulfilment of the purest vow Love's heart e'er made—thou com'st to show e'en now The Infinite, th' Eternal and the Best!
I clasp thy feet,—O fold me in thy wings, And place thy pure white hands upon my head, And breathe, O breathe, thy love-breath o'er mine eyes Till, like the flame that from dark ashes springs, My chastened spirit, from a self that's dead, Upon the wings of Love shall heav'nward rise.