I Know the Face

I know the face of him who with the sphere
Of unseen presences communion keeps.
His eyes retain its wonders in their clear
Unfathomable deeps.

His every feature, rugged or refined,
Shines from the inner light; and large or small
His earthly state, he from the world behind
Brings wealth that beggars all.

He brings the thought that gives to earthly things
Eternal meaning; brings the living faith
That, even now, puts on the immortal wings,
And clears the shadow, Death.

This in his face I see; and when we meet.
My earthliness is shamed by him; but yet
Takes hope to think that, in the unholy street.
Such men are to be met.