Beyond a thousand rivers, deep and wide
I came at last to one
All in a mist so bright the other side
Lay dazzling in the sun.
There sank the heart of flesh, no longer brave
Sank down in low affright
More dreadful far, than wind, and night, and wave
Seemed that exceeding light.
And a voice cried, "This barrier is the last
Between thee and thy goal;
But o'er this tide, hath nothing mortal passed;
Come forth alone, O Soul!
Then I went forth into the golden mist,
That closed on either hand,
Who would believe I walked upon the crest
Of waters safe to land?
A thousand times the waves went o'er my head
In that dark land ere while
And still this unknown river was my dread
I say with wondering smile.
