Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A FIGURATIVE DESCRIPTION OF ... PROCEDURE OF DIVINE LOVE, by JEANNE MARIE BOUVIER DE LA MOTTE GUYON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A FIGURATIVE DESCRIPTION OF ... PROCEDURE OF DIVINE LOVE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Twas my purpose, on a day
Last Line: Twixt the bridegroom and his bride.
Alternate Author Name(s): Guion, De La Mothe; Guyon, Jeanne Marie Bouvieres De La Mothe; Guyon Du Chesnoy
Subject(s): Worship


(IN BRINGING A SOUL TO THE POINT OF SELF-RENUNCIATION AND
ABSOLUTE ACQUIESCENCE)

'TWAS my purpose, on a day,
To embark and sail away;
As I climbed the vessel's side,
Love was sporting in the tide;
"Come," he said, "ascend! make haste,
"Launch into the boundless waste."

Many mariners were there,
Having each his separate care;
They that rowed us held their eyes
Fixed upon the starry skies;
Others steered, or turned the sails
To receive the shifting gales.

Love, with power divine supplied,
Suddenly my courage tried;
In a moment it was night,
Ship and skies were out of sight;
On the briny wave I lay,
Floating rushes all my stay.

Did I with resentment burn
At this unexpected turn?
Did I wish myself on shore,
Never to forsake it more?
No:--"My soul," I cried, "be still!
"If I must be lost, I will."

Next he hastened to convey
Both my frail supports away;
Seized my rushes; bade the waves
Yawn into a thousand graves:
Down I went, and sunk as lead,
Ocean closing o'er my head.

Still, however, life was safe;
And I saw him turn and laugh:
"Friend," he cried, "adieu! lie low
"While the wintry storms shall blow;
"When the spring has calmed the main,
"You shall rise and float again."

Soon I saw him, with dismay,
Spread his plumes and soar away;
Now I mark his rapid flight,
Now he leaves my aching sight;
He is gone whom I adore,
'Tis in vain to seek him more.

How I trembled then and feared,
When my Love had disappeared!
"Wilt thou leave me thus," I cried,
"Whelmed beneath the rolling tide?"
Vain attempt to reach his ear!
Love was gone, and would not hear.

"Ah! return, and love me still;
"See me subject to thy will!
"Frown with wrath, or smile with grace
"Only let me see thy face!
"Evil I have none to fear,
"All is good, if Thou art near."

Yet he leaves me,--cruel fate!
Leaves me in my lost estate!
"Have I sinned? Oh say wherein?
"Tell me, and forgive my sin!
"King and Lord, whom I adore,
"Shall I see thy face no more?

"Be not angry; I resign,
"Henceforth, all my will to thine:
"I consent that Thou depart,
"Tho' thine absence breaks my heart;
"Go then, and for ever too;
"All is right that Thou wilt do."

This was just what Love intended,
He was now no more offended;
Soon as I became a child,
Love returned to me and smiled;
Never strife shall more betide
'Twixt the bridegroom and his bride.





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