A POEM BY FATHER BENSON

New Zealand Tablet, 10 December 1914, Page 29

A POEM BY FATHER BENSON

The following verses, just published by the London Tablet, were written by the late Robert Hugh Benson on the eve of his. reception into the Catholic Church.

Lines Written Before August, 1903. I cannot soar and sing my Lord and love • No eagle’s wings have I, No power to rise and greet my King above, No heart to fly. ’ Creative Lord Incarnate, let me lean My heavy self on Thee ; Nor let my utter weakness come between Thy strength arid me.

I cannot trace Thy Providence and place, Nor dimly comprehend What in Thyself Thou art, and what is man, And what the end.

Here in this wilderness I cannot find The path the Wise men trod Grant me to rest on Thee, Incarnate Mind And Word of God..

I cannot love, my heart is turned within * And locked within; (Ah me ! How shivering in self love I sit) for sin Has lost the key'. Ah! Sacred Heart of Jesus, Flame divine, Ardent with great desire, , My hope is set upon that love of Thine, Deep Well of Fire.

I cannot live alone another hour; Jesu, be Thou my Life! I have not power To strive; be Thou my Power In every strife ! I can do nothing—hope, nor love, nor fear. But only fail and fall. Be Thou my soul and self, O Jesu dear, My God and all.