I

He that is Lord of all the realms of light Hath unto me from His magnificence Granted such vision as hath wrought my joy. Moving my spirit past the last defence That shieldeth mortal things from mightier sight, Where freedom of the soul knows no alloy, I saw what forms the lordly powers employ; Three splendours, saw I, of high holiness, From clarity to clarity ascending Through all the roofless, tacit courts extending In aether which such subtle light doth bless As ne'er the candles of the stars hath wooed; Know ye herefrom of their similitude.