Once, I remember, when we were at home br I had come into church, and waited late, br Ere lastly kneeling to communicate br Alone : and thinking that you would not come. br br Then, with closed eyes (having received the Host) br I prayed for your dear self, and turned to rise ; br When lo ! beside me like a blessed ghost — br Nay, a grave sunbeam — you I Scarcely my eyes br Could credit it, so softly had you come br Beside me as I thought I walked alone. br br Thus long ago ; but now, when fate bereaves br Life of old joys, how often as I'm kneeling br To take the Blessed Sacrifice that weaves br Life's tangled threads, so broken to man's seeing, br Into one whole ; I have the sudden feeling br That you are by, and look to see a face br Made in fair flesh beside me, and all my being br Thrills with the old sweet wonder and faint fear br As in that sabbath hour — how long ago ! — br When you had crept so lightly to your place. br Then, then, I know br (My heart can always tell) that you are near.