Methought, through many years and lands,
I sped along an arrowy flood,
That leapt and lapt my face and hands,
I knew not were it fire or blood.
I saw no sun in any place;
A ghastly glow about me spread,
Unlike the light of nights and days,
From out the depth where writhe the dead.
I passed-their fleshless arms uprose
To draw me to the depths beneath:
My eyes forgot the power to close,
As other men's, in sleep or death.
I saw the end of every sin;
I weighed the profit and the cost;
I felt Eternity begin,
And all the ages of the lost.
The Crucifix was on my breast;
I pressed the nails against my side;
And unto Him, Who knew no rest
For thirty years, I turned and cried:
'Sweet Lord! I say not, give me ease;
Do what Thou wilt, Thou doest good;
And all Thy saints went up to peace,
In crowns of fire or robes of blood.'