Classic Poem

Dear God, not only do Thou come at last
When death hath filled my heart with dread affright,
But when in gathered dark I meet aghast
The mimic death that falls on me at night.

The daily dying, when alone I tread
The valley of the shadow, breast the Styx,
With shrouded soul and body stiff in bed...
And no companion from the welcome pyx!

How should I face disarmed and unawares
The phantoms of the Pit oblivion brings —
My will surrendered, mind unapt for snares,
Eyes blinded by the evil, shuddering wings,

Did not the sunset stand encoped in gold
For priestly offices, 'mid censers swung,
And with anointed thumb and finger hold
The symbolled Godhead to my eager tongue?

Then with my body's trance there doth descend
Peace on my eyelids, goodness that shall keep
My wandering feet, and at my side a friend
Through all the winding caverns of my sleep.