Here, on the prey of passion, famished Flames, Feed here! Spare not your victim. Torture tames The wanton flesh rebellious. Let the heat Of these your fierce caresses free the feet And loose the fettered pinions of desire. Delay not! Leap the barriers and fire The citadel, the heart. A flame is there To which your kiss is coldness. Clothe me fair, O Christ, with purple penance. Crown me queen Of agonies that cleave all mists between My God and me! Life's vintage drop by drop Fast fills the destined measure of my cup. Quaff, Lord, my potion! Pledge me, and thy breath Shall sweeten all the bitterness of death. |