"Let the Light Enter."

"Let the Light Enter."

When Goethe was told that he was about to die, he folded his arms calmly, and said, "Let the light enter."

Light, more light! the shadows deepen,

And my life is ebbing low;

Throw the windows widely open—

Light, more light, before I go.

Softly let the balmy sunshine

Play around my dying bed,

Ere the dimly lighted valley

I with lonely steps shall tread.

Light, more light! for death is weaving

Shadows round my fading sight,

And I fain would gaze upon him

Through a stream of earthly light.”

Not for greater gifts of genius—

Not for thoughts more grandly bright;

All the dying poet whispers

Is a prayer for light—more light.

Heeds he not the gathered laurels,

Fading slowly from his sight;

All the poet’s aspirations

Centre in that prayer for light.

Blessed Jesus, when our day-dreams

Melt and vanish from the sight,

May our dim and longing vision

Then be blest with light—more light.

Frances Ellen Watkins (Harper)

1:52, p. 1

7.14.1860