In my fragile youth you found me shaking
Like a loveless lily growing wild
Touched my hollow heart, already breaking
Nurtured me, your nameless, naked child
To my eyes you blazed like vision blinding
Beautiful in feature, form and face
Fellowship with you and friendship finding
I grew up on godliness and grace
Till those clouds of glory I’d been trailing
Died, one day, as Queen Aurora rose
And the youth, turned man, whose faith was failing
Felt no longer; feelings all had froze
Then the years flew by and I grew bolder
Damning you, a dark, demented dream
Coward I became, with conscience colder
Sacrificed you, sold you down the stream
In my final years, with twilight falling
I would sell my soul, not count the cost!
To hear the voice of some sweet saviour calling
Like the long-lamented one I lost!