Let the Light Enter

The dying words of Goethe.

 

"Light! more light! the shadows deepen,

   And my life is ebbing low,

Throw the windows widely open:

   Light! more light! before I go."

 

"Softly let the balmy sunshine

   Play around my dying bed,

E'er the dimly lighted valley

   I with lonely feet must tread."

 

"Light! more light! for Death is weaving

   Shadows 'round my waning sight,

And I fain would gaze upon him

   Through a stream of earthly light."

 

Not for greater gifts of genius;

   Not for thoughts more grandly bright,

All the dying poet whispers

   Is a prayer for light, more light.

 

Heeds he not the gathered laurels,

   Fading slowly from his sight;

All the poet's aspirations

   Centre in that prayer for light.