The Skreen: Disciplina Arcani

Nature withdraws from human sight
The treasures of her light ;
In earth's deep mines, or ocean's cells,
Her secret glory dwells.
'Tis darkly thro' Night's veil on high
She shews the starry sky
And where of beauty aught is found,
She draws a shade around ;
Nor fully e'er unveils to sense
Steps of bright Providence.

When out of Sion God appear'd
For perfect beauty fear'd,
The darkness was His chariot,
And clouds were all about.
Hiding His dread sublimity,
When Jesus walked nigh,
He threw around His works of good
A holier solitude ;
Ris'n from the grave appear'd to view
But to a faithful few.

Alone e'en now, as then of old,
The pure of heart behold
The soul-restoring miracles
Wherein His mercy dwells ;
New marvels unto them reveal'd,
But from the world conceal'd.
Then pause, and fear, — when thus allow'd
We enter the dark cloud,
Lord, keep our hearts, that soul and eye
Unharm'd may Thee descry.