The Cloisters: Prayer

Hidden, exhaustless treasury, heaven-taught Prayer,
Armoury of unseen aids — watchword and spell
At which blest Angels pitch their tent and dwell
About us — glass to bring the bright Heavens near —
Sea of eternal beauty — wondrous stair
By patriarch seen — key leading to a cell
Where better worlds are hidden — secret well
Where Love with golden chalice may repair,
And slake his thirst, nursing with fragrant dews
Heaven's lilies fair, and rose on wild-wood spray,
Calm thought and high resolve ! strange instrument,
Wherewith from spheres serene Music is sent
Into the mind, throwing o'er all fresh hues,
And mystic colourings — yet we cannot pray !