Do what we will, br One horror haunts us still, br And down the course where shines the goal br For the swift contest of the soul br A Spectre glides; where'er we set br Our footsteps, there will he be met, br Our guardian demon: grant us grace br To lift the veil that hides his face! br br If once we dare br Those eyes beneath his hair, br If once that demon visage see, br His power is spent, he leaves us free; br But if we try to pass him by, br He'll seize our hand and presently br Will lead us to that land of dream br Where lost men grovel and blaspheme.