Jephthah and Other Mysteries

180 MYSTERIES: “PERFECT LOVE CASTETH OUT FEAR.” NGLAND is dreary. In the ashen sky I see no sign that sun will break again, And force the clouds to yield their rapid rain, And utterly absorb our misery. Dull as the day is, in my heart I feel An anguish, chill and adamant as steel, And, like a mist of poison, heavily On my whole soul, bound down upon the wheel, _ There comes a spectre, dead, whose name is Fear. Ah God, he comes so near! In the pale fear of Death I have no share. I am through Love triumphant over him ; I almost yearn toward the stooping brim, And fledge the wings my soul is given to wear, And float in sunlight to the dome above, Clothed in the light of everlasting Love, Till an archangel from the golden stair Trumpet me out a welcome, and a dove With fiery feet and silver kisses come To bid me enter home.