Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277.

tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899

The mouth of the Lord hath spoken,

Hath spoken a mighty word;

My sinful heart it hath broken,

Yet sweeter I never heard;

"Thou, thou art, O soul, My deep desire

And My love's eternal bliss:

Thou art the rest where leaneth My breast,

And My mouth's most holy kiss.

Thou art the treasure I sought and found,

Rejoicing over thee;

I dwell in thee, and with thee am I crowned,

And thou dost dwell in Me.

Thou art joined to Me, O Mine own, for ever,

And nearer thou canst not be—

Shall aught on earth or in Heaven sever

Myself from Me?"