A castle stands ’neath western skies br Gold shields its roof have studded; br The evening sun behind it dies br Midst cloud banks so newly ruddied. br That castle by no hand is wrought: br Perfectly though it’s gilded; br Its gate soars up to heaven’s court; br Our Lord Himself did once built it. br br From thousand turrets sparkles gold, br Amber its gate is gleaming; br The sea reflects its walls of old, br With pillars of sun’s rays teeming. br God’s sun into its castle crowds, br Purple raiment inflaming, br On battlements in rosy clouds br Light’s banner’s glory proclaiming. br br Sun’s angel waves the flag of light, br Sets off for distant quarters; br Life, light and day him follow right br Behind night’s loud foaming waters. br And like the sun life seeks the coast br Full of transfiguration br Where sun the east once more will host br With paradise as its station.