THE LIVING FLAME OF LOVE BY ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS

 

THE LIVING FLAME OF LOVE BY ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS 

Oh, living flame of love That tenderly woundest my soul in its deepest centre, Since thou art no longer oppressive, perfect me now if it be thy will, Break the web of this sweet encounter. 2. Oh, sweet burn! Oh, delectable wound! Oh, soft hand! Oh, delicate touch That savours of eternal life and pays every debt! In slaying, thou hast changed death into life. 3. O lamps of fire! in whose splendours The deep caverns of feeling, Once obscure and blind, Now give forth, so rarely, so exquisitely, Both warmth and light to their Beloved. 4. How gently and lovingly you wake in my heart, Where in secret you dwell alone; And in your sweet breathing, Filled with good and glory, How tenderly You swell my heart with love.”