Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

George Willis Cooke, comp. The Poets of Transcendentalism: An Anthology. 1903.

Whom but Thee

Eliza Scudder (1821–1896)

FROM past regret and present faithlessness,

From the deep shadow of foreseen distress,

And from the nameless weariness that grows

As life’s long day seems wearing to its close;

Thou Life within my life, than self more near!

Thou veilèd Presence infinitely clear!

From all illusive shows of sense I flee

To find my centre and my rest in Thee.

Below all depths Thy saving mercy lies,

Through thickest glooms I see Thy Light arise;

Above the highest heavens Thou art not found

More surely than within this earthly round.

Take part with me against these doubts that rise

And seek to throne Thee far in distant skies!

Take part with me against this self that dares

Assume the burden of these sins and cares!

How shall I call Thee who art always here,

How shall I praise Thee who art still most dear,

What may I give Thee save what Thou hast given,

And whom but Thee have I in earth or heaven?