Nor rash nor vain is that presentiment; 580
Yes,--for one moment thou shalt see thy Lord.
Thus will it be: what time thou art arraigned
Before the dread tribunal, and thy lot
Is cast for ever, should it be to sit
On His right hand among His pure elect,
Then sight, or that which to the soul is sight,
As by a lightning-flash, will come to thee,
And thou shalt see, amid the dark profound,
Whom thy soul loveth, and would fain approach,--
One moment; but thou knowest not, my child, 590
What thou dost ask: that sight of the Most Fair
Will gladden thee, but it will pierce thee too.