249. Restoration

I CAME into the world for love of Thee,

I left Thee at Thy bidding;

I put off my white robes and shining crown

And came into this world for love of Thee.

I have lived in the grey light for love of Thee,

In mean and darken’d houses:

The scarlet fruits of knowledge and of sin

Have stain’d me with their juice for love of Thee.

I could not choose but sin for love of Thee,

From Thee so sadly parted;

I could not choose but put away my sin

And purge and scourge those stains for love of Thee.

My soul is sick with life for love of Thee,

Nothing can ease or fill me:

Restore me, past the frozen baths of death,

My crown and robes, desired for love of Thee:

And take me to Thyself for love of Thee;

My loss or gain counts little,

But Thou must need me since I need Thee so,

Crying through day and night for love of Thee!