II

Now that the Lord has open'd me The evil with the good, I am as one wise suddenly Who never understood. I see the shaping of my days From the beginning, When, a young child, I walkt the ways And knew nought of sinning.

I see how Nature ripen'd me Under sun and shower, As she ripens herb and tree To bud and to flower. As she ripens herb and tree Unto flowering shoot, So it was she ripen'd me That I might fruit.

I see—alas, how should I not, With all joy behind?— How that in love I was begot And for love design'd. Consentient, my mother lent, Blessing, who had been blest, That fount unspent, my nourishment, Which after swell'd my breast.