Abelard

"Pere Esbaillart a Sanct Denis." VILLON.

"Because my soul cried out, and only the long ways Grown weary, gave me answer and Because she answered when the very ways were dumb With all their hoarse, dry speech grown faint and chill. Because her answer was a call to me, Though I have sinned, my God, and though thy angels Bear no more now my thought to whom I love; Now though I crouch afraid in all thy dark Will I once cry to thee: Once more! Once more my strength! Yea though I sin to call him forth once more, Thy messengers for mine, Their wings my power! And let once more my wings fold down above her, Let their cool length be spread Over her feet and head And let thy calm come down To dwell within her, and thy gown of peace Clothe all her body in its samite. O Father of all the blind and all the strong, Though I have left thy courts, though all the throng Of thy gold-shimmering choir know me not, Though I have dared the body and have donned Its frail strong-seeming, and although Its lightening joy is made my swifter song, Though I have known thy stars, yea all, and chosen one. Yea though I make no barter, and repent no jot, Yet for the sunlight of that former time Grant me the boon, O God, Once more, once more, or I or some white thought Shall rise beside her and, enveloping All her strange glory in its wings of light, Bring down thy peace upon her way-worn soul. Oh sheathe that sword of her in some strong case, The doe-skin scabbard of thy clear Rafael! Yea let thy angels walk, as I have seen Them passing, or have seen their wings Spread their pavilions o'er our twin delight. Yea I have seen them when the purple light Hid all her garden from my drowsy eyes.