314. The Quest

APART, immutable, unseen,

Being, before itself had been,

Became. Like dew a triple queen

Shone as the void uncovered:

The silence of deep height was drawn

A veil across the silver dawn

On holy wings that hovered.

The music of three thoughts became

The beauty, that is one white flame,

The justice that surpasses shame,

The victory, the splendour,

The sacred fountain that is whirled

From depths beyond that older world

A new world to engender.

The kingdom is extended. Night

Dwells, and I contemplate the sight

That is not seeing, but the light

That secretly is kindled,

Though oft-time its most holy fire

Lacks oil, whene’er my own Desire

Before desire has dwindled.

I see the thin web binding me

With thirteen cords of unity

Toward the calm centre of the sea.

(O thou supernal mother!)

The triple light my path divides

To twain and fifty sudden sides

Each perfect as each other.

Now backwards, inwards still my mind

Must track the intangible and blind,

And seeking, shall securely find

Hidden in secret places

Fresh feasts for every soul that strives,

New life for many mystic lives,

And strange new forms and faces.

My mind still searches, and attains

By many days and many pains

To That which Is and Was and reigns

Shadowed in four and ten;

And loses self in sacred lands,

And cries and quickens, and understands

Beyond the first Amen.