Fate

God knows I had no hope before she came,
And found me in the darkness, where alone
I sat, even then, and brooded o'er things flown.
She touched my hand, she called me by my name,
She turned my night to day, and smote with flame
The heights and depths of life, till I was shown
Where possible heavens lay, and things long known
As things transfigured in that light became.

I sought my heaven, her love, at whose white gate,
"O my beloved, take me in," I cried.
A little while the answer was delayed;
And then her voice, from out the glory, said:
"Enter! and be at peace; " and Fate replied:
"Thy love is strong, but stronger is my hate!"