John of the Cross - Dark Night

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STANZAS OF THE SOUL

1. On a dark night, Kindled in love with yearnings--oh, happy chance!--I went

forth without being observed, My house being now at rest. 2. In darkness and

secure, By the secret ladder, disguised--oh, happy chance!--In darkness and in

concealment, My house being now at rest.3. In the happy night, In secret, when

none saw me,Nor I beheld aught, Without light or guide, save that which burned

in my heart.4. This light guided me More surely than the light of noondayTo the

place where he (well I knew who!) was awaiting me-- A place where none

appeared.5. Oh, night that guided me, Oh, night more lovely than the dawn,Oh,

night that joined Beloved with lover, Lover transformed in the Beloved!6. Upon

my flowery breast, Kept wholly for himself alone,There he stayed sleeping, and

I caressed him, And the fanning of the cedars made a breeze.7. The breeze blew

from the turret As I parted his locks;With his gentle hand he wounded my neck

And caused all my senses to be suspended.8. I remained, lost in oblivion; My

face I reclined on the Beloved.All ceased and I abandoned myself, Leaving my

cares forgotten among the lilies.

 

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John of the Cross: Dark Night of the Soul

from the Internet

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