A POEM BY FATHER BENSON.

New Zealand Tablet, 17 October 1918, Page 43

A POEM BY FATHER BENSON.

The following verses were written by Robert Hugh Benson on- the eve of his reception into the Catholic Church: 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 and 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 the 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 tuned 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 ; Jesus be Thou my Life! I have nob power to strive; be Thou my Power in every strife ! I can do nothing— nor love, nor fear, But only fail and fall. Be thou my soul and self, O Jesu dear, My God and all.