"The dying words of Goethe." br br br "Light! more light! the shadows deepen, br And my life is ebbing low, br Throw the windows widely open: br Light! more light! before I go. br br "Softly let the balmy sunshine br Play around my dying bed, br E'er the dimly lighted valley br I with lonely feet must tread. br br "Light! more light! for Death is weaving br Shadows 'round my waning sight, br And I fain would gaze upon him br Through a stream of earthly light." br br Not for greater gifts of genius; br Not for thoughts more grandly bright, br All the dying poet whispers br Is a prayer for light, more light. br br Heeds he not the gathered laurels, br Fading slowly from his sight; br All the poet's aspirations br Centre in that prayer for light. br br Gracious Saviour, when life's day-dreams br Melt and vanish from the sight, br May our dim and longing vision br Then be blessed with light, more light.