Part 5 — I KNOW WHAT BEAUTY IS.

I know what beauty is, for thou Hast set the world within my heart; Of me thou madest it a part; I never loved it more than now.

I know the Sabbath afternoons; The light asleep upon the graves: Against the sky the poplar waves; The river murmurs organ tunes.

I know the spring with bud and bell; The hush in summer woods at night; Autumn, when trees let in more light; Fantastic winter's lovely spell.

I know the rapture music gives, Its mystery of ordered tones: Dream-muffled soul, it loves and moans, And, half-alive, comes in and lives.

And verse I know, whose concord high Of thought and music lifts the soul Where many a glimmering starry shoal Glides through the Godhead's living sky.

Yea, Beauty's regnant All I know— The imperial head, the thoughtful eyes; The God-imprisoned harmonies That out in gracious motions go.

But I leave all, O Son of man, Put off my shoes, and come to thee! Most lovely thou of all I see, Most potent thou of all that can!

As child forsakes his favourite toy, His sisters' sport, his new-found nest, And, climbing to his mother's breast, Enjoys yet more his late-left joy—

I lose to find. On fair-browed bride Fair pearls their fairest light afford; So, gathered round thy glory, Lord, All glory else is glorified.