Classic Poem

This was my lay in sad nocturnal hour,
What time the silence felt a growing sound
Awful, and winds began among the trees,
Nor was there starlight in the vaulted sky.
Now is the eyelid of the jocund sun
Uplifted on the region of this air;
And in the substance of his living light
I walk enclosed, therefore to matin chaunts
Of all delighted birds I marry a note
Of human voice rejoicing unto thee
Ever-loved, warbling my rapture now,
As erst to thee I made melodious moan.
Then I believed thee distant from my heart;
Thou hadst not spoken then, I had not heard:
And I was faint, because I breathed not
Breath of thy love, wherein alone is life;
But at this hour my heart is seen, my prayer
Answered and crowned with blessing; I have looked
Into thine eyes which have not turned awry,
But rested all their lavish light upon me,
Unutterably sweet, till I became
Angelic in the strength of tenderness,
And met thy soul down-looking into mine
With a responsive power; thy word hath passed
Upon my spirit, and is a light forever,
High o'er the drifting spray of circumstance.
Thy word, the plighted word, the word of promise,
And of all comfort! In its mighty strength
I bid thee hail, not as in former days,
Not as my chosen only, but my bride,
My very bride, coming to make my house
A glorious temple! Be the seal of God
Upon that word until the hour be full!