Self-Realisation XXXI.

When I knew myself a Thorn, soft Rose-buds' Swell

I sought for then;

When I saw myself all bitter, sweet Honey's Cell

I sought for then.

When I saw myself all Poison, I quaffed Life's Stream

as Antidote;

When I saw myself Lees turbid, Wine's clear Foam Bell

I sought for then.

When I saw myself all sour Fruit, I caught the ripening

Sunbeams' Glow;

When I saw myself droop feebly, the breezy Fell

I sought for then.

When I saw myself all blinded, the healing Power

of Jesus' Hand;

When I knew it could the Darkness from my Eyes dispel

I sought for then.[27]

Love's Touch became my Eyesalve, and all my Soul's

dull Blindness fled;

And, my Heart of Thirst a-dying, His sweet, pure Well

I sought for then.

I am Fire that never burneth; and thou, the Wind

that makes it burn;

O thou Wind, with my Fire playing, aye in me dwell:

I sought for then.