357. The Living Chalice

THE MOTHER sent me on the holy quest,

Timid and proud and curiously dressed

In vestures by her hand wrought wondrously;

An eager burning heart she gave to me.

The Bridgeroom’s Feast was set and I drew nigh—

Master of Life, Thy Cup has passed me by.

Before new-dressed I from the Mother came,

In dreams I saw the wondrous Cup of Flame.

Ah, Divine Chalice, how my heart drank deep,

Waking I sought the Love I knew asleep.

The Feast of Life was set and I drew nigh—

Master of Life, Thy Cup has passed me by.

Eye of the Soul, awake, awake and see

Growing within the Ruby Radiant Tree,

Sharp pain hath wrung the Clusters of my Vine;

My heart is rose-red with its brimméd wine.

Thou hast new-set the Feast and I draw nigh—

Master of Life, take me, Thy Cup am I.