Chapter XXXI

When I knew myself a Thorn, soft Rose-buds' Swell
I sought for then;
When I saw myself all bitter, sweet Honey's Cell
I sought for then.
When I saw myself all Poison, I quaffed Life's Stream
as Antidote;
When I saw myself Lees turbid, Wine's clear Foam Bell
I sought for then.
When I saw myself all sour Fruit, I caught the ripening
Sunbeams' Glow;
When I saw myself droop feebly, the breezy Fell
I sought for then.
When I saw myself all blinded, the healing Power
of Jesus' Hand;
When I knew it could the Darkness from my Eyes dispel
I sought for then.[27]
Love's Touch became my Eyesalve, and all my Soul's
dull Blindness fled;
And, my Heart of Thirst a-dying, His sweet, pure Well
I sought for then.
I am Fire that never burneth; and thou, the Wind
that makes it burn;
O thou Wind, with my Fire playing, aye in me dwell:
I sought for then.

[27] Rückert avoids the name of Jesus; not so Von Hammer.

Thy Hand!