Compact of sweetness and of purity,
The choicest essences of sea and land,
The veiled fingers laid it in his hand,
To him alone of all our company.
And lo! there fell a spark from heaven on high,
And caught, and grew, and from the flaming brand
The leaping glory flashed at heaven's command,
Till the great splendour gladdened earth and sky.

Alas for lights that God has lit in vain!
Tired hands that let the flickering burden fall!
And eyes, poor longing, searching, eyes that miss
The light they loved amid the splendid train;
Though all about the mighty banquet-hall
A thousand torches glitter, bright as his.