How joy was found : $b a fantasyHutchison, Isobel Wylie
Science
How joy was found : $b a fantasy
Hutchison, Isobel Wylie
English drama -- Scottish authors; Verse drama
[_By this time Finn has fallen quite asleep. The fire
dies low. Suddenly a strange light begins to play about
the Climber. She starts up half-awake, and looks round
bewildered. Then she speaks to the Thief in an awed
whisper._]
CLIMBER
Who called me? Was it you?
THIEF
I have been sitting quietly by the cradle all this time.
CLIMBER
Inside my brain
There’s something tugging me, a sort of strain,
A terrible wistfulness, my mind’s all bruised.
Something calls me that is not amused.
Is it God?
Or is it not God?
THIEF
[_Gravely._]
It is God.
Lie down. He will call you again
If He is in pain.
[_The Climber lies down again. The fire dies quite low, but
the radiance about her grows bright and brighter; she alone
is left visible. Suddenly, for a moment, as through a veil,
the face of the Big Young Hero is seen looking wistfully
down on her. She starts up with her hands clasped to her
breast, and speaks in an awed whisper._]
CLIMBER
Did you call me, sir?
HERO
I sent Finn to call you.
CLIMBER
I heard him. Do you require us both?
HERO
Yes, urgently; make haste.
[_The vision fades, leaving the Climber alone in the midst
of a great brightness._]
CLIMBER
[_Whispering._]
Always I have known Thou wert there,
But to-night Thou hast revealed Thyself utterly and
Thy face is bare.
I cannot tell how beautiful Thou art.
All of my heart
Is radiant with the fierce surprise
Of Thine eyes,
All of my soul
Stands shuddering at her goal.
Long ago she knew Thee, yet she feared
To name Thee, ever she peered
Into the darkness, whispering: “Not mine,”
To-night she doth divine
Wholly, and she is very bold, and boasts, and hath good cheer,
Entertaining the love that casts out fear.
[_The brightness fades, leaving darkness for a moment, then
the fire leaps up again, illuminating the room. The Climber
looks about her, bewildered with ecstasy._]
Oh, I have had such a wonderful dream!
Why, they all seem
To be asleep!
THIEF
[_Quietly._]
I am not asleep.
CLIMBER
[_Radiant._]
Oh, did you see my dream?
THIEF
Yes; I stole it for you.
CLIMBER
Where did you get it?
THIEF
Out of the mind of God.
CLIMBER
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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