Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE VIGIL, by STEFAN GEORGE Poet's Biography First Line: Within the chapel quivers candlelight Last Line: With tranquil clearness soared the whole house through. | ||||||||
Within the chapel quivers candlelight. And there the page his vigil keeps alone Before the altar's threshold all the night. "I shall partake when morning dawneth bright Of all that solemn glory yet unknown, "When by one stroke I shall be dubbed a knight. My childhood longing hushed, I shall not swerve From deeds of rigour; with my spurs and might Devoted in the good war I will serve. "For this new honour I must now prepare: The conseeration of my sword unstained Before God's altar and the symbol there, The testimony of high worth attained." There his forefather's image gray and old Reposed and slender vaults rose overhead. Trustfully clasped, his hands lay stony cold; Upon his breast there was a banner spread. His eyes are darkened by the helmet's shade. A cherub spreading wide his pinions pale Holds over him his shield with coat of mail: Upon an azure field the flaming blade. The youth is praying to the Lord above And breaks the narrow bounds of prayer with feeling, His hands devoutly clasped as he is kneeling. Then slowly into thoughts of pious love An earthly image unawares is stealing. She stood among her garden gilly-flowers, She was much less a maiden than a child. Upon her gown were broidered starry showers, About her golden hair the sun-flecks smiled. He shudders, and he longs in his dismay To flee the vision that he deems a snare; His hands he buries in his curly hair And makes the sign that lets no evil stay. The blood is rushing hot into his cheek, The candle flames shoot lightnings in his face. But now he sees the Lady Mother meek, Upon her lap the Saviour giving grace. "I will forever in Thine army serve And all my life no other aim will seek, And from Thy high commandment never swerve. Forgive if for the last time I was weak." Out from the snow-white altar's covered chest A swarm of little angels' faces flew, And as the organ's sacred murmur grew, The Valiant's innocence, the Dend's deep rest With tranquil clearness soared the whole house through. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DARK BURNED THE SUNSET by STEFAN GEORGE FROM OUT OF THE GLOW THE WRATH OF HEAVEN SPOKE: by STEFAN GEORGE STANZAS CONCERNING LOVE by STEFAN GEORGE THE LORD OF THE ISLE by STEFAN GEORGE THE MISTAKING by STEFAN GEORGE THE SHEPHERD'S DAY by STEFAN GEORGE WHEN MY HOT LIPS by STEFAN GEORGE PEDANTIC LITERALIST by MARIANNE MOORE |
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