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.

  Gracious Saviour, when life's day-dreams
     Melt and vanish from the sight,
  May our dim and longing vision
     Then be blessed with light, more light.