Deep on the convent-roof the snows <br /> Are sparkling to the moon: <br /> My breath to heaven like vapour goes; <br /> May my soul follow soon! <br /> The shadows of the convent-towers <br /> Slant down the snowy sward, <br /> Still creeping with the creeping hours <br /> That lead me to my Lord: <br /> Make Thou my spirit pure and clear <br /> As are the frosty skies, <br /> Or this first snowdrop of the year <br /> That in my bosom lies. <br /> <br /> As these white robes are soil'd and dark, <br /> To yonder shining ground; <br /> As this pale taper's earthly spark, <br /> To yonder argent round; <br /> So shows my soul before the Lamb, <br /> My spirit before Thee; <br /> So in mine earthly house I am, <br /> To that I hope to be. <br /> Break up the heavens, O Lord! and far, <br /> Thro' all yon starlight keen, <br /> Draw me, thy bride, a glittering star, <br /> In raiment white and clean. <br /> <br /> He lifts me to the golden doors; <br /> The flashes come and go; <br /> All heaven bursts her starry floors, <br /> And strows her lights below, <br /> And deepens on and up! the gates <br /> Roll back, and far within <br /> For me the Heavenly Bridegroom waits, <br /> To make me pure of sin. <br /> The sabbaths of Eternity, <br /> One sabbath deep and wide-- <br /> A light upon the shining sea-- <br /> The Bridegroom with his bride!<br /><br />Alfred Lord Tennyson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/st-agnes-eve/
