Sweetness in Prayer

Why dost thou beat so quick, my heart?
Why struggle in thy cage?
What shall I do for thee, poor heart!
Thy throbbing heat to swage?

What spell is this come over thee,
My soul! what sweet surprise?
And wherefore these unbidden tears
That start into mine eyes?

How are my passions laid to sleep,
How easy penance seems,
And how the bright world fades away
Oh are they all but dreams?

How great, how good does God appear,
How dear our holy faith,
How tasteless life's best joys have grown,
How I could welcome death!

Thy sweetness hath betrayed Thee, Lord!
Dear Spirit! it is Thou;
Deeper and deeper in my heart
I feel Thee nestling now.

Whence Thou hast come I need not ask;
But, dear and gentle Dove!
Oh wherefore hast Thou lit on one
That so repays Thy love?

Would that Thou mightest stay with me,
Or else that I might die
While heart and soul are still subdued
With Thy sweet mastery.

Thy home is with the humble, Lord!
The simple are Thy rest;
Thy lodging is in child-like hearts;
Thou makest there Thy nest.

Dear Comforter! Eternal Love!
If Thou wilt stay with me,
Of lowly thoughts and simple ways
I'll build a nest for Thee.

My heart, sweet Dove! I'll lend to Thee
To mourn with at Thy will;
My tongue shall be Thy lute to try
On sinners souls Thy skill.

How silver-like Thy plumage is,
Thy voice how grave, how gay!
Ah me! how I shall miss Thee, Lord!
Then promise me to stay.

Who made this beating heart of mine,
But Thou, my heavenly Guest?
Let no one have it then but Thee
And let it be Thy nest.