This week marked the anniversary of the death of George MacDonald, a noted Scottish novelist of the 19th century, whose work influenced C.S. Lewis, W.H. Auden and others.
MacDonald was also a poet. Here are three excellent poems from his collection A Hidden Life and Other Poems.
(This book is available as a FREE ebook [easyazon_link asin=”B0084BNKU4″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”douloschristo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]for Kindle[/easyazon_link] and other devices…)
I KNOW WHAT BEAUTY IS. I know what beauty is, for Thou Hast set the world within my heart; Its glory from me will not part; I never loved it more than now. I know the Sabbath afternoon: The light lies sleeping on the graves; Against the sky the poplar waves; The river plays a Sabbath tune. Ah, know I not the spring's snow-bell? The summer woods at close of even? Autumn, when earth dies into heaven, And winter's storms, I know them well. I know the rapture music brings, The power that dwells in ordered tones, A living voice that loves and moans, And speaks unutterable things. Consenting beauties in a whole; The living eye, the imperial head, The gait of inward music bred, The woman form, a radiant soul. And splendours all unspoken bide Within the ken of spirit's eye; And many a glory saileth by, Borne on the Godhead's living tide. But I leave all, thou man of woe! Put off my shoes, and come to Thee; Thou art most beautiful to me; More wonderful than all I know. As child forsakes his favourite toy, His sisters' sport, his wild bird's nest; And climbing to his mother's breast, Enjoys yet more his former joy-- I lose to find. On forehead wide The jewels tenfold light afford: So, gathered round thy glory, Lord, All beauty else is glorified.
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