Thus Far
Because my life has lain so close to thine,
Because our hearts have kept a common beat,
Because thine eyes turned towards me frank and sweet,
Reveal sometimes thine untold thoughts to mine,
Think not that I, by curious design,
Or over-step of too impetuous feet,
Could desecrate thy soul’s supreme retreat,
Could disregard its quivering barrier-line.
Only a simple Levite, I, who stand

On the world’s side of the most holy place,
Till, as the new day glorifies the east,
One come to lift the veil with reverent hand,
And enter with thy soul’s soul face to face,--
He whom thy God shall call to be high priest.