Dark 'gainst the deepening skies,
Frosty with stars,
See I the bars
Of a weird cross arise.
How glooms the night away!
Winds are abroad;
Waves of the ford
Boom out a dismal lay.
Shrine wet with dew and tears
Here will I rest,
Easing a breast
Worn by despair and fears.
Not on the brow of her
Who walks in light,
While I in night,
Let thy long shadow stir.
Rather across this heart
Let it be laid,
Shade after shade,
Gloom hath with her no part.
While in his sight her soul
Greatens and glows,
Till her heart's rose
Opes at his fond control;
I clasp the cross and cry
"Strength, Holy Rood!"
Kiss the cold wood
While at its foot I lie.
Angel, whose wings I see
Shift 'mongst the stars,
Make these chill bars
Ladders of light for me.
