Giovanni Della Croce A Spiritual Canticle

JOHN OF THE CROSS
A SPIRITUAL CANTICLE OF THE SOUL AND THE BRIDEGROOM CHRIST

PROLOGUE
1B INASMUCH as this canticle seems t ha!e "een #$itten #ith s me %e$! $ % l !e % G &' #h se #is& m an& l !e a$e' as is sai& in the " ( % )is& m'* s !ast that the+ $each ,%$ m en& t en&'- an& as the s .l' ta./ht an& m !e& "+ Him' mani%ests the same a".n&ance an& st$en/th in the # $&s it .ses' I & n t 0.$0 se he$e t set % $th all that /$eatness an& %.llness the s0i$it % l !e' #hich is %$.it%.l' em" &ies in it1 2es' $athe$ it # .l& "e % lishness t thin( that the lan/.a/e % l !e an& the m+stical intelli/ence3 an& that is #hat these stan4as a$e3can "e at all e50laine& in # $&s % an+ (in&' % $ the S0i$it % .$ L $& #h hel0s .$ #ea(ness3as St1 Pa.l sa+s63&#ellin/ in .s ma(es 0etiti ns % $ .s #ith /$ anin/ .n.tte$a"le % $ that #hich #e cann t #ell .n&e$stan& $ /$as0 s as t "e a"le t ma(e it (n #n1 ,The S0i$it hel0s .$ in%i$mit+ 1 1 1 the S0i$it Himsel% $e7.ests % $ .s #ith /$ anin/s .ns0ea(a"le1- F $ #h can &esc$i"e that #hich He sh #s t l !in/ s .ls in #h m He &#ells8 )h can set % $th in # $&s that #hich He ma(es them %eel8 an&' lastl+' #h can e50lain that % $ #hich the+ l n/8 *1 Ass.$e&l+ n ne can & it9 n t e!en the+ themsel!es #h e50e$ience it1 That is the $eas n #h+ the+ .se %i/.$es % s0ecial c m0a$is ns an& similit.&es9 the+ hi&e s me#hat % that #hich the+ %eel an& in the a".n&ance % the S0i$it .tte$ sec$et m+ste$ies $athe$ than e50$ess themsel!es in clea$ # $&s1 61 An& i% these similit.&es a$e n t $ecei!e& in the sim0licit+ % a l !in/ min&' an& in the sense in #hich the+ a$e .tte$e&' the+ #ill seem t "e e%%.si ns % % ll+ $athe$ than the lan/.a/e % $eas n9 as an+ ne ma+ see in the &i!ine Canticle % S l m n' an& in the$s % the sac$e& " (s' #he$ein the H l+ S0i$it' "eca.se $&ina$+ an& c mm n s0eech c .l& n t c n!e+ His meanin/' .tte$e& His m+ste$ies in st$an/e te$ms an& similit.&es1 It % ll #s %$ m this' that a%te$ all that the h l+ & ct $s ha!e sai&' an& ma+ sa+' n # $&s % thei$s can e50lain it9 n $ can # $&s & it9 an& s ' in /ene$al' all that is sai& %alls %a$ sh $t % the meanin/1 :1 The stan4as that % ll # ha!in/ "een #$itten .n&e$ in%l.ence % that l !e #hich 0$ cee&s %$ m the !e$%l #in/ m+stical intelli/ence' cann t "e %.ll+ e50laine&1 In&ee& I
1 ;This canticle #as ma&e "+ the Saint #hen he #as in the 0$is n % the Miti/ati n' in T le& 1 It came int the han&s % the <ene$a"le Anne % Jes.s' at #h se $e7.est he #$ te the % ll #in/ c mmenta$+ n it' an& a&&$esse& it t he$1= * )is& m >?1 6 R m1 >?*@
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& n t 0.$0 se an+ s.ch thin/' % $ m+ s le "Cect is t th$ # s me /ene$al li/ht !e$ them' #hich in m+ 0ini n is the "ette$ c .$se1 It is "ette$ t lea!e the .t0 .$in/s % l !e in thei$ #n %.llness' that e!e$+ ne ma+ a00l+ them acc $&in/ t the meas.$e % his s0i$it an& 0 #e$' than t 0a$e them & #n t ne 0a$tic.la$ sense #hich is n t s.ite& t the taste % e!e$+ ne1 An& th ./h I & 0.t % $th a 0a$tic.la$ e50lanati n' still the$s a$e n t t "e " .n& "+ it1 The m+stical #is& m3that is' the l !e' % #hich these stan4as s0ea(3& es n t $e7.i$e t "e &istinctl+ .n&e$st & in $&e$ t 0$ &.ce the e%%ect % l !e an& ten&e$ness in the s .l' % $ it is in this $es0ect li(e %aith' "+ #hich #e l !e G & #ith .t a clea$ c m0$ehensi n % Him1 A1 I shall the$e% $e "e !e$+ c ncise' th ./h n # an& then .na"le t a! i& s me 0$ li5it+ #he$e the s."Cect $e7.i$es it' an& #hen the 00 $t.nit+ is %%e$e& % &isc.ssin/ an& e50lainin/ ce$tain 0 ints an& e%%ects % 0$a+e$? man+ % #hich "ein/ $e%e$$e& t in these stan4as' I m.st &isc.ss s me % them1 I shall' h #e!e$' 0ass !e$ the m $e $&ina$+ nes' an& t$eat "$ie%l+ % the m $e e5t$a $&ina$+ t #hich the+ a$e s."Cect #h ' "+ the me$c+ % G &' ha!e a&!ance& "e+ n& the state % "e/inne$s1 This I & % $ t# $eas ns? the %i$st is' that m.ch is al$ea&+ #$itten c nce$nin/ "e/inne$s9 an& the sec n& is' that I am a&&$essin/ th se #h ha!e $ecei!e& %$ m .$ L $& the /$ace % "ein/ le& n %$ m the elementa$+ state an& a$e le& in#a$&s t the " s m % His &i!ine l !e1 @1 I the$e% $e t$.st' th ./h I ma+ &isc.ss s me 0 ints % sch lastic the l /+ $elatin/ t the inte$i $ c mme$ce % the s .l #ith G &' that I am n t .sin/ s.ch lan/.a/e alt /ethe$ in !ain' an& that it #ill "e % .n& 0$ %ita"le % $ 0.$e s0i$it.alit+1 F $ th ./h s me ma+ "e alt /ethe$ i/n $ant % sch lastic the l /+ "+ #hich the &i!ine !e$ities a$e e50laine&' +et the+ a$e n t i/n $ant % m+stical the l /+' the science % l !e' "+ #hich th se !e$ities a$e n t nl+ lea$ne&' ".t at the same time a$e $elishe& als 1 D1 An& in $&e$ that #hat I am / in/ t sa+ ma+ "e the "ette$ $ecei!e&' I s."mit m+sel% t hi/he$ C.&/ments' an& .n$ese$!e&l+ t that % .$ h l+ m the$ the Ch.$ch' inten&in/ t sa+ n thin/ in $eliance n m+ #n 0e$s nal e50e$ience' $ n #hat I ha!e "se$!e& in the$ s0i$it.al 0e$s ns' n $ n #hat I ha!e hea$& them sa+3th ./h I inten& t 0$ %it "+ all this3.nless I can c n%i$m it #ith the sancti n % the &i!ine #$itin/s' at least n th se 0 ints #hich a$e m st &i%%ic.lt % c m0$ehensi n1 >1 The meth & I 0$ 0 se t % ll # in the matte$ is this? %i$st % all' t cite the # $&s % the te5t an& then t /i!e that e50lanati n % them #hich "el n/s t the s."Cect "e% $e me1 I shall n # t$ansc$i"e all the stan4as an& 0lace them at the "e/innin/ % this t$eatise1 In the ne5t 0lace' I shall ta(e each % them se0a$atel+' an& e50lain them line "+ line' each line in its 0$ 0e$ 0lace "e% $e the e50lanati n1
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SONG OF THE SOUL AND THE BRIDEGROOM I A THE BRIDE Where have You hidden Yourself, And abandoned me in my groaning, O my Beloved? You have fled like the hart, Having wounded me. I ran after You, rying! but You were gone. II 1A O she"herds, you who go #hrough the shee" ots u" the hill, If you shall see Him Whom I love the most, #ell Him I languish, suffer, and die. III *A In sear h of my $ove I will go over mountains and strands! I will gather no flowers, I will fear no wild beasts! And "ass by the mighty and the frontiers. I< O groves and thi kets %lanted by the hand of the Beloved! O verdant meads &nameled with flowers, #ell me, has He "assed by you? < :B ANS)ER OF THE CREATURES A thousand gra es diffusing He "assed through the groves in haste, And merely regarding them As He "assed 'lothed them with His beauty. <I
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THE BRIDE A Oh( who an heal me? )ive me at on e Yourself, *end me no more A messenger Who annot tell me what I wish. <II All they who serve are telling me Of Your unnumbered gra es! And all wound me more and more, And something leaves me dying, I know not what, of whi h they are darkly s"eaking. <III *B But how you "ersevere, O life, +ot living where you live! #he arrows bring death Whi h you re eive ,rom your on e"tions of the Beloved. IE Why, after wounding #his heart, have You not healed it? And why, after stealing it, Have You thus abandoned it, And not arried away the stolen "rey? E 6A -uen h my troubles, ,or no one else an soothe them! And let my eyes behold You, ,or You are their light, And I will kee" them for You alone. EI :A .eveal Your "resen e, And let the vision and Your beauty kill me, Behold the malady Of love is in urable &/ e"t in Your "resen e and before Your fa e.
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EII A O rystal well( Oh that on Your silvered surfa e You would mirror forth at on e #hose eyes desired Whi h are outlined in my heart( EIII #urn them away, O my Beloved( I am on the wing0 1A THE BRIDEGROOM .eturn, 1y 2ove( #he wounded hart $ooms on the hill In the air of your flight and is refreshed. EI< *A 1y Beloved is the mountains, #he solitary wooded valleys, #he strange islands, #he roaring torrents, #he whis"er of the amorous gales! E< #he tran3uil night At the a""roa hes of the dawn, #he silent musi , #he murmuring solitude, #he su""er whi h revives, and enkindles love. E<I :B 'at h us the fo/es, ,or our vineyard has flourished! While of roses We make a nosegay, And let no one a""ear on the hill. E<II
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O killing north wind, ease( 'ome, south wind, that awakens love( Blow through my garden, And let its odors flow, And the Beloved shall feed among the flowers. E<III
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O nym"hs of 4udea( While amid the flowers and the rose5trees #he amber sends forth its "erfume, #arry in the suburbs, And tou h not our thresholds. EIE Hide yourself, O my Beloved( #urn Your fa e to the mountains, 2o not s"eak, But regard the om"anions Of her who is traveling amidst strange islands. EE
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THE BRIDEGROOM $ight5winged birds, $ions, fawns, bounding does, 1ountains, valleys, strands, Waters, winds, heat, And the terrors that kee" wat h by night! EEI
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By the soft lyres And the siren strains, I ad6ure you, $et your fury ease, And tou h not the wall, #hat the bride may slee" in greater se urity. EEII #he bride has entered #he "leasant and desirable garden, And there re"oses to her heart7s ontent! Her ne k re lining On the sweet arms of the Beloved.
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EEIII Beneath the a""le5tree #here were you betrothed! #here I gave you 1y hand, And you were redeemed Where your mother was orru"ted. EEI< 1B THE BRIDE Our bed is of flowers By dens of lions en om"assed, Hung with "ur"le, 1ade in "ea e, And rowned with a thousand shields of gold. EE< *B In Your footste"s #he young ones run Your way! At the tou h of the fire And by the s"i ed wine, #he divine balsam flows. EE<I 6B In the inner ellar Of my Beloved have I drunk! and when I went forth Over all the "lain I knew nothing, And lost the flo k I followed before. EE<II #here He gave me His breasts, #here He taught me the s ien e full of sweetness. And there I gave to Him 1yself without reserve! #here I "romised to be His bride. EE<III :A 1y soul is o u"ied, And all my substan e in His servi e! +ow I guard no flo k, +or have I any other em"loyment0
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1y sole o u"ation is love. EEIE A If, then, on the ommon land I am no longer seen or found, You will say that I am lost! #hat, being enamored, I lost myself! and yet was found. EEE Of emeralds, and of flowers In the early morning gathered, We will make the garlands, ,lowering in Your love, And bound together with one hair of my head. EEEI *B By that one hair You have observed fluttering on my ne k, And on my ne k regarded, You were a"tivated! And wounded by one of my eyes. EEEII 6B When You regarded me, Your eyes im"rinted in me Your gra e0 ,or this You loved me again, And thereby my eyes merited #o adore what in You they saw EEEIII 2es"ise me not, ,or if I was swarthy on e You an regard me now! *in e You have regarded me, )ra e and beauty have You given me. EEEI< :A THE BRIDEGROOM #he little white dove Has returned to the ark with the bough!
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And now the turtle5dove Its desired mate On the green banks has found. A EEE< In solitude she lived, And in solitude built her nest! And in solitude, alone Has the Beloved guided her, In solitude also wounded with love. EEE<I 1A THE BRIDE $et us re6oi e, O my Beloved( $et us go forth to see ourselves in Your beauty, #o the mountain and the hill, Where the "ure water flows0 $et us enter into the heart of the thi ket. EEE<II *A We shall go at on e #o the dee" averns of the ro k Whi h are all se ret, #here we shall enter in And taste of the new wine of the "omegranate. EEE<III #here you will show me #hat whi h my soul desired! And there You will give at on e, O You, my life( #hat whi h You gave me the other day. EEEIE :B #he breathing of the air, #he song of the sweet nightingale, #he grove and its beauty In the serene night, With the flame that onsumes, and gives no "ains. EL
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+one saw it! +either did Aminadab a""ear #he siege was intermitted, And the avalry dismounted At the sight of the waters.
ARGUMENT A THESE stan4as &esc$i"e the ca$ee$ % a s .l %$ m its %i$st ent$ance n the se$!ice % G & till it c mes t the %inal state % 0e$%ecti n3the s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e1 The+ $e%e$ acc $&in/l+ t the th$ee states $ #a+s % the s0i$it.al t$ainin/3the 0.$/ati!e' ill.minati!e' an& .niti!e #a+s' s me 0$ 0e$ties an& e%%ects % #hich the+ e50lain1 The %i$st stan4as $elate t "e/inne$s3t the 0.$/ati!e #a+1 The sec n& t the a&!ance& 3t the state % s0i$it.al "et$ thal9 that is' the ill.minati!e #a+1 The ne5t t the .niti!e #a+3that % the 0e$%ect' the s0i$it.al Ma$$ia/e1 The .niti!e #a+' that % the 0e$%ect' % ll #s the ill.minati!e' #hich is that % the a&!ance&1 The last stan4as t$eat % the "eati%ic state' #hich nl+ the al$ea&+ 0e$%ect s .l aims at1 1A EEPLANATION OF THE STANFAS NOTE *B THE s .l' c nsi&e$in/ the "li/ati ns % its state' seein/ that ,the &a+s % man a$e sh $t9-: that the #a+ % ete$nal li%e is st$ai/ht9 A that ,the C.st man shall sca$cel+ "e sa!e&9-@ that the thin/s % this # $l& a$e em0t+ an& &eceit%.l9 that all &ie an& 0e$ish li(e #ate$ 0 .$e& n the /$ .n&9D that time is .nce$tain' the last acc .nt st$ict' 0e$&iti n m st eas+' an& sal!ati n m st &i%%ic.lt9 an& $ec /ni4in/ als ' n the the$ han&' the /$eat &e"t that is #in/ t G &' )h has c$eate& it s lel+ % $ Himsel%' % $ #hich the se$!ice % its #h le li%e is &.e' )h has $e&eeme& it % $ Himsel% al ne' % $ #hich it #es Him all else' an& the c $$es0 n&ence % its #ill t His l !e9 an& $emem"e$in/ the$ inn.me$a"le "lessin/s % $ #hich it ac(n #le&/es itsel% in&e"te& t G & e!en "e% $e it #as " $n? an& als that a /$eat 0a$t % its li%e has "een #aste&' an& that it #ill ha!e t $en&e$ an acc .nt % it all %$ m "e/innin/ t the en&' t the 0a+ment % ,the last %a$thin/'-> #hen G & shall ,sea$ch Je$.salem #ith lam0s9- G that it is al$ea&+ late' an& 0e$ha0s the en& % the &a+?1B in $&e$ t $eme&+ s /$eat an e!il' es0eciall+ #hen it is c nsci .s that G & is /$ie! .sl+ %%en&e&' an& that He has hi&&en His %ace %$ m it' "eca.se it # .l& % $/et Him % $ the c$eat.$e'Hthe s .l' n # t .che& #ith s $$ # an& in#a$& sin(in/ % the hea$t at the si/ht % its imminent $is(s an& $.in' $en .ncin/ e!e$+thin/ an& castin/ them asi&e #ith .t &ela+in/ % $ a &a+' $ e!en an h .$' #ith %ea$ an& /$ anin/s .tte$e& %$ m the hea$t' an& # .n&e& #ith the l !e % G &' "e/ins t in! (e the Bel !e& an& sa+s?
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: J " 1:?A A Matt1 D?1: @ 1 Pet1 :?1> D * Iin/s 1:?1: > Matt1 A?*@ G S 0h n' 11 1*1 1B Matt1 *B?@
STANZA I
THE BRIDE A Where have You hidden Yourself, And abandoned me to my sorrow, O my Beloved( You have fled like the hart, Having wounded me. I ran after You, rying! but You were gone. IN this %i$st stan4a the s .l' enam $e& % the ) $&' the S n % G &' the B$i&e/$ m' &esi$in/ t "e .nite& t Him in the clea$ an& s."stantial !isi n' sets "e% $e Him the an5ieties % its l !e' c m0lainin/ % His a"sence1 An& this the m $e s "eca.se' n # 0ie$ce& an& # .n&e& #ith l !e' % $ #hich it ha& a"an& ne& all thin/s' e!en itsel%' it has still t en&.$e the a"sence % the Bel !e&' )h has n t $elease& it %$ m its m $tal %lesh' that it mi/ht ha!e the %$.iti n % Him in the /l $+ % ete$nit+1 Hence it c$ies .t' 8Where have You hidden Yourself?9 *B *1 It is as i% the s .l sai&' ,Sh # me' O 2 . the ) $&' m+ B$i&e/$ m' the 0lace #he$e 2 . a$e hi&&en1- It as(s % $ the $e!elati n % the &i!ine Essence9 % $ the 0lace #he$e the S n % G & is hi&&en is' acc $&in/ t St1 J hn' ,the " s m % the Fathe$'- 11 #hich is the &i!ine Essence' t$anscen&in/ all m $tal !isi n' an& hi&&en %$ m all h.man .n&e$stan&in/' as Isaiah sa+s' s0ea(in/ t G &' ,<e$il+ 2 . a$e a hi&&en G &1- 1* F$ m this #e lea$n that the c mm.nicati n an& sense % His 0$esence' h #e!e$ /$eat the+ ma+ "e' an& the m st s."lime an& 0$ % .n& (n #le&/e % G & #hich the s .l ma+ ha!e in this li%e' a$e n t G & essentiall+' neithe$ ha!e the+ an+ a%%init+ #ith Him' % $ in !e$+ t$.th He is still hi&&en %$ m the s .l9 an& it is the$e% $e e50e&ient % $ it' ami& all these /$an&e.$s' al#a+s t c nsi&e$ Him as hi&&en' an& t see( Him in His hi&in/ 0lace' sa+in/' 8Where have You hidden Yourself?9 6A 61 Neithe$ s."lime c mm.nicati ns n $ sensi"le 0$esence %.$nish an+ ce$tain 0$ % % His /$aci .s 0$esence9 n $ is the a"sence the$e %' an& a$i&it+' an+ 0$ % % His a"sence %$ m the s .l1 ,I% He c me t me' I shall n t see Him9 i% He &e0a$t' I shall n t .n&e$stan&1-16 That is' i% the s .l ha!e an+ /$eat c mm.nicati n' $ im0$essi n' $ s0i$it.al (n #le&/e' it m.st n t n that acc .nt 0e$s.a&e itsel% that #hat it then %eels is t enC + $ see G & clea$l+ an& in His Essence' $ that it "$in/s it nea$e$ t Him' $ Him t it' h #e!e$ &ee0 s.ch %eelin/s ma+ "e1 On the the$ han&' #hen all these sensi"le an& s0i$it.al c mm.nicati ns %ail it' an& it is itsel% in &$+ness' &a$(ness' an& &es lati n' it m.st n t n that acc .nt s.00 se that G & is %a$ %$ m it9 % $ in t$.th the % $me$ state is n si/n % its "ein/ in a state % /$ace' n $ is the latte$ a si/n that it is n t9 % $ ,man
11 J hn 1?1> 1* Isa1 :A?1A 16 J " G?11
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6B
:B
(n #s n t #hethe$ he is # $th+ % l !e $ hat$e&-1: in the si/ht % G &1 :1 The chie% "Cect % the s .l in these # $&s is n t t as( nl+ % $ that a%%ecti!e an& sensi"le &e! ti n' #he$ein the$e is n ce$taint+ $ e!i&ence % the 0 ssessi n % the B$i&e/$ m in this li%e9 ".t 0$inci0all+ % $ that clea$ 0$esence an& !isi n % His Essence' % #hich it l n/s t "e ass.$e& an& satis%ie& in the ne5t1 This' t ' #as the "Cect % the "$i&e #h ' in the &i!ine s n/ &esi$in/ t "e .nite& t the Di!init+ % the B$i&e/$ m ) $&' 0$a+e& t the Fathe$' sa+in/' ,Sh # me #he$e 2 . %ee&' #he$e 2 . lie in the mi&&a+1-1A F $ t as( t "e sh #n the 0lace #he$e He %e& #as t as( t "e sh #n the Essence % the Di!ine ) $&' the S n9 "eca.se the Fathe$ %ee&s n #he$e else ".t in His nl+ "e/ tten S n' )h is the /l $+ % the Fathe$1 In as(in/ t "e sh #n the 0lace #he$e He lies in the mi&&a+' #as t as( % $ the same thin/' "eca.se the S n is the s le &eli/ht % the Fathe$' )h lies in n the$ 0lace' an& is c m0$ehen&e& "+ n the$ thin/' ".t in an& "+ His "el !e& S n' in )h m He $e0 ses #h ll+' c mm.nicatin/ t Him His #h le Essence' in the ,mi&&a+'- #hich is ete$nit+' #he$e the Fathe$ is e!e$ "e/ettin/ an& the S n e!e$ "e/ tten1 A1 This 0ast.$e' then' is the B$i&e/$ m ) $&' #he$e the Fathe$ %ee&s in in%inite /l $+1 He is als the "e& % %l #e$s #he$e.0 n He $e0 ses #ith in%inite &eli/ht % l !e' 0$ % .n&l+ hi&&en %$ m all m $tal !isi n an& e!e$+ c$eate& thin/1 This is the meanin/ % the "$i&eJs .l #hen she sa+s' 8Where have You hidden Yourself?9 *A @1 That the thi$st+ s .l ma+ %in& the B$i&e/$ m' an& "e ne #ith Him in the .ni n % l !e in this li%e3s %a$ as that is 0 ssi"le3an& 7.ench its thi$st #ith that &$in( #hich it is 0 ssi"le t &$in( % at His han&s in this li%e' it #ill "e as #ell3since that is #hat the S .l as(s % Him3that #e sh .l& ans#e$ % $ Him' an& 0 int .t the s0ecial s0 t #he$e He is hi&&en' that He ma+ "e % .n& the$e in that 0e$%ecti n an& s#eetness % #hich this li%e is ca0a"le' an& that the s .l ma+ n t "e/in t l ite$ .selessl+ in the % tste0s % its c m0ani ns1 D1 )e m.st $emem"e$ that the ) $&' the S n % G &' t /ethe$ #ith the Fathe$ an& the H l+ S0i$it' is hi&&en in essence an& in 0$esence' in the inm st "ein/ % the s .l1 That s .l' the$e% $e' that #ill %in& Him' m.st / .t %$ m all thin/s in #ill an& a%%ecti n' an& ente$ int the 0$ % .n&est sel%J$ec llecti n' an& all thin/s m.st "e t it as i% the+ e5iste& n t1 Hence' St1 A./.stine sa+s? ,I % .n& 2 . n t #ith .t' O L $&9 I s ./ht 2 . #ith .t in !ain' % $ 2 . a$e #ithin'-1@ G & is the$e% $e hi&&en #ithin the s .l' an& the t$.e c ntem0lati!e #ill see( Him the$e in l !e' sa+in/' 8Where have You hidden Yourself?9 >1 O + . s .l' then' m st "ea.ti%.l % c$eat.$es' #h s l n/ t (n # the 0lace #he$e + .$ Bel !e& is' that + . ma+ see( Him' an& "e .nite& t Him' + . (n # n # that + . a$e + .$sel% that !e$+ ta"e$nacle #he$e He &#ells' the sec$et cham"e$ % His $et$eat
1: Eccles1 G?1 1A Cant1 1?@ 1@ KS lil 71'L c1 611 O001 E&1 Ben1 t m1 !i1 a001 01 G>1
1B
1A
*B
6B
6A
:B
:A
#he$e He is hi&&en1 ReC ice' the$e% $e' an& e5.lt' "eca.se all + .$ / & an& all + .$ h 0e is s nea$ + . as t "e #ithin + .9 $' t s0ea( m $e acc.$atel+' that + . can n t "e #ith .t it' ,% $ l ' the (in/& m % G & is #ithin + .1-1D S sa+s the B$i&e/$ m Himsel%' an& His se$!ant' St1 Pa.l' a&&s? ,2 . a$e the tem0le % the li!in/ G &1- 1> )hat C + % $ the s .l t lea$n that G & ne!e$ a"an& ns it' e!en in m $tal sin9 h # m.ch less in a state % /$aceM1G G1 )hat m $e can + . &esi$e' #hat m $e can + . see( #ith .t' seein/ that #ithin + . ha!e + .$ $iches' + .$ &eli/ht' + .$ satis%acti n' + .$ %.llness an& + .$ (in/& m9 that is' + .$ Bel !e&' )h m + . &esi$e an& see(8 ReC ice' then' an& "e /la& in Him #ith inte$i $ $ec llecti n' seein/ that + . ha!e Him s nea$1 Then l !e Him' then &esi$e Him' then a& $e Him' an& / n t t see( Him .t % + .$sel%' % $ that #ill "e ".t &ist$acti n an& #ea$iness' an& + . shall n t %in& Him9 "eca.se the$e is n %$.iti n % Him m $e ce$tain' m $e $ea&+' $ m $e intimate than that #hich is #ithin1 1B1 One &i%%ic.lt+ al ne $emains? th ./h He is #ithin' +et He is hi&&en1 B.t it is a /$eat matte$ t (n # the 0lace % His sec$et $est' that He ma+ "e s ./ht the$e #ith ce$taint+1 The (n #le&/e % this is that #hich + . as( % $ he$e' O s .l' #hen #ith l !in/ a%%ecti n + . c$+'
1B
1A
*B 8Where have You hidden Yourself?9 111 2 . #ill still .$/e an& sa+' H # is it' then' that I %in& Him n t' n $ %eel Him' i% He is #ithin m+ s .l8 It is "eca.se He is hi&&en' an& "eca.se + . hi&e n t + .$sel% als that + . ma+ %in& Him an& %eel Him9 % $ he that #ill see( that #hich is hi&&en m.st ente$ sec$etl+ int the sec$et 0lace #he$e it is hi&&en' an& #hen he %in&s it' he is himsel% hi&&en li(e the "Cect % his sea$ch1 Seein/' then' that the B$i&e/$ m #h m + . l !e is ,the t$eas.$e hi&&en in the %iel&-*B % + .$ s .l' % $ #hich the #ise me$chant /a!e all that he ha&' s + .' i% + . #ill %in& Him' m.st % $/et all that is + .$s' #ith&$a# %$ m all c$eate& thin/s' an& hi&e + .$sel% in the sec$et $et$eat % the s0i$it' sh.ttin/ the & $ .0 n + .$sel%3that is' &en+in/ + .$ #ill in all thin/s3an& 0$a+in/ t + .$ Fathe$ in sec$et1*1 Then + .' "ein/ hi&&en #ith Him' #ill "e c nsci .s % His 0$esence in sec$et' an& #ill l !e Him' 0 ssess Him in sec$et' an& &eli/ht in Him in sec$et' in a #a+ that n t n/.e $ lan/.a/e can e50$ess1 1*1 C .$a/e' then' O s .l m st "ea.ti%.l' + . (n # n # that + .$ Bel !e&' )h m + . &esi$e' &#ells hi&&en #ithin + .$ "$east9 st$i!e' the$e% $e' t "e t$.l+ hi&&en #ith Him' an& then + . shall em"$ace Him' an& "e c nsci .s % His 0$esence #ith l !in/ a%%ecti n1 C nsi&e$ als that He "i&s + .' "+ the m .th % Isaiah' t c me t His sec$et hi&in/J0lace' sa+in/' ,G ' 1 1 1 ente$ int + .$ cham"e$s' sh.t + .$ & $s .0 n + .-9 that is' all + .$ %ac.lties' s that n c$eate& thin/ shall ente$? ,"e hi& a little % $ a m ment'-** that is' % $ the m ment % this m $tal li%e9 % $ i% n # &.$in/ this li%e #hich is
1D L.(e 1D?*1 1> * C $1 @?1@ 1G KMt1 Ca$mel'L B(1 *' c1 A1 sect1 61 *B Matt1 16?:: *1 Matt1 @?@ ** Isa1 *@?*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
sh $t' + . #ill ,#ith all #atch%.lness (ee0 + .$ hea$t'-*6 as the #ise man sa+s' G & #ill m st ass.$e&l+ /i!e + .' as He has 0$ mise& "+ the 0$ 0het Isaiah' ,hi&&en t$eas.$es an& m+ste$ies % sec$ets1-*: The s."stance % these sec$ets is G & Himsel%' % $ He is the s."stance % the %aith' an& the "Cect % it' an& the %aith is the sec$et an& the m+ste$+1 An& #hen that #hich the %aith c nceals shall "e $e!eale& an& ma&e mani%est' that is the 0e$%ecti n % G &' as St1 Pa.l sa+s' ,)hen that #hich is 0e$%ect is c me'- *A then shall "e $e!eale& t the s .l the s."stance an& m+ste$ies % these sec$ets1 161 Th ./h in this m $tal li%e the s .l #ill ne!e$ $each t the inte$i $ sec$ets as it #ill in the ne5t' h #e!e$ m.ch it ma+ hi&e itsel%' still' i% it #ill hi&e itsel% #ith M ses' ,in the h le % the $ c(-3#hich is a $eal imitati n % the 0e$%ect li%e % the B$i&e/$ m' the S n % G &30$ tecte& "+ the $i/ht han& % G &' it #ill me$it the !isi n % the ,"ac( 0a$ts-9*@ that is' it #ill $each t s.ch 0e$%ecti n he$e' as t "e .nite&' an& t$ans% $me& "+ l !e' in the S n % G &' its B$i&e/$ m1 S e%%ect.all+ #ill this "e #$ ./ht that the s .l #ill %eel itsel% s .nite& t Him' s lea$ne& an& s inst$.cte& in His sec$ets' that' s %a$ as the (n #le&/e % Him in this li%e is c nce$ne&' it #ill "e n l n/e$ necessa$+ % $ it t sa+? ,)he$e ha!e 2 . hi&&en 2 .$sel%81:1 2 . (n # then' O s .l' h # + . a$e t &emean + .$sel% i% + . #ill %in& the B$i&e/$ m in His sec$et 0lace1 B.t i% + . #ill hea$ it a/ain' hea$ this ne # $& %.ll % s."stance an& .na00$ acha"le t$.th? See( Him in %aith an& l !e' #ith .t see(in/ t satis%+ + .$sel% in an+thin/' $ t .n&e$stan& m $e than is e50e&ient % $ + . t (n #9 % $ %aith an& l !e a$e the t# /.i&es % the "lin&9 the+ #ill lea& + .' "+ a #a+ + . (n # n t' t the sec$et cham"e$ % G &1 Faith' the sec$et % #hich I am s0ea(in/' is the % t that C .$ne+s n#a$&s t G &' an& l !e is the /.i&e that &i$ects its ste0s1 An& #hile the s .l me&itates n the m+ste$i .s sec$ets % the %aith' it #ill me$it the $e!elati n' n the 0a$t % l !e' % that #hich the %aith in! l!es' namel+' the B$i&e/$ m )h m it l n/s % $' in this li%e "+ s0i$it.al /$ace' an& the &i!ine .ni n' as #e sai& "e% $e' *D an& in the ne5t in essential /l $+' %ace t %ace' hi&&en n #1 1A1 B.t mean#hile' th ./h the s .l attains t .ni n' the hi/hest state 0 ssi"le in this li%e' +et inasm.ch as He is still hi&&en %$ m it in the " s m % the Fathe$' as I ha!e sai&' the s .l l n/in/ % $ the %$.iti n % Him in the li%e t c me' e!e$ c$ies' ,)he$e ha!e 2 . hi&&en 2 .$sel%8-
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A 1@1 2 . & #ell' then' O s .l' in see(in/ Him al#a+s in His sec$et 0lace9 % $ + . /$eatl+ ma/ni%+ G &' an& &$a# nea$ t Him' esteemin/ Him as %a$ "e+ n& an& a" !e all + . can $each1 Rest' the$e% $e' neithe$ #h ll+ n $ in 0a$t' n #hat + .$ %ac.lties can em"$ace9 ne!e$ see( t satis%+ + .$sel% #ith #hat + . c m0$ehen& % G &' ".t $athe$ #ith #hat + . c m0$ehen& n t9 an& ne!e$ $est n the l !e %' an& &eli/ht in' that #hich + . can .n&e$stan& an& %eel' ".t $athe$ n that #hich is "e+ n& + .$ .n&e$stan&in/ an& %eelin/? this is' as I ha!e sai&' t see( Him "+ %aith1
:B
*6 P$ !1 :?*6 *: Isa1 :A?6 *A 1 C $1 16?1B *@ E5 &1 66?**'*6 *D Sect1 :1
1B
1D1 G & is' as I sai& "e% $e' *> inaccessi"le an& hi&&en' an& th ./h it ma+ seem that + . ha!e % .n& Him' %elt Him' an& c m0$ehen&e& Him' +et + . m.st e!e$ $e/a$& Him as hi&&en' se$!e Him as hi&&en' in sec$et1 D n t "e li(e man+ .n#ise' #h ' #ith l # !ie#s % G &' thin( that #hen the+ cann t c m0$ehen& Him' $ "e c nsci .s % His 0$esence' that He is then %a$the$ a#a+ an& m $e hi&&en' #hen the c nt$a$+ is t$.e' namel+' that He is nea$e$ t them #hen the+ a$e least a#a$e % it9 as the 0$ 0het Da!i& sa+s' ,He 0.t &a$(ness His c !e$t'- *G Th.s' #hen + . a$e nea$ t Him' the !e$+ in%i$mit+ % + .$ !isi n ma(es the &a$(ness 0al0a"le9 + . & #ell' the$e% $e' at all times' in 0$ s0e$it+ as #ell as in a&!e$sit+' s0i$it.al $ tem0 $al' t l ( .0 n G & as hi&&en' an& t sa+ t Him' ,)he$e ha!e 2 . hi&&en 2 .$sel%8 And left me to my sorrow, O my Beloved?9
1A
*B
*A
1>1 The s .l calls Him ,m+ Bel !e&'- the m $e t m !e Him t listen t its c$+' % $ G &' #hen l !e&' m st $ea&il+ listens t the 0$a+e$ % him #h l !es Him1 Th.s He s0ea(s Himsel%? ,I% + . a"i&e in Me 1 1 1 + . shall as( #hate!e$ thin/ + . #ill' an& it shall "e & ne t + .1-6B The s .l ma+ then #ith t$.th call Him Bel !e&' #hen it is #h ll+ His' #hen the hea$t has n attachments ".t Him' an& #hen all the th ./hts a$e c ntin.all+ &i$ecte& t Him1 It #as the a"sence % this that ma&e Delilah sa+ t Sams n' ,H # & + . sa+ + . l !e me #hen + .$ min& is n t #ith me8- 61 The min& c m0$ises the th ./hts an& the %eelin/s1 S me the$e a$e #h call the B$i&e/$ m thei$ Bel !e&' ".t He is n t $eall+ "el !e&' "eca.se thei$ hea$t is n t #h ll+ #ith Him1 Thei$ 0$a+e$s a$e' the$e% $e' n t s e%%ect.al "e% $e G &' an& the+ shall n t "tain thei$ 0etiti ns .ntil' 0e$se!e$in/ in 0$a+e$' the+ %i5 thei$ min&s m $e c nstantl+ .0 n G & an& thei$ hea$ts m $e #h ll+ in l !in/ a%%ecti n .0 n Him' % $ n thin/ can "e "taine& %$ m G & ".t "+ l !e1 1G1 The # $&s' ,An& le%t me t m+ s $$ #'- tell .s that the a"sence % the Bel !e& is the ca.se % c ntin.al sa&ness in him #h l !es9 % $ as s.ch a ne l !es n ne else' s ' in the a"sence % the "Cect "el !e&' n thin/ can c ns le $ $elie!e him1 This is' the$e% $e' a test t &isce$n the t$.e l !e$ % G &1 Is he satis%ie& #ith an+thin/ less than G &8 D I sa+ satis%ie&8 2es' i% a man 0 ssess all thin/s' he cann t "e satis%ie&9 the /$eate$ his 0 ssessi ns the less #ill "e his satis%acti n' % $ the satis%acti n % the hea$t is n t % .n& in 0 ssessi ns' ".t in &etachment %$ m all thin/s an& in 0 !e$t+ % s0i$it1 This "ein/ s ' the 0e$%ecti n % l !e in #hich #e 0 ssess G &' "+ a /$ace m st intimate an& s0ecial' li!es in the s .l in this li%e #hen it has $eache& it' #ith a ce$tain satis%acti n' #hich h #e!e$ is n t %.ll' % $ Da!i&' n t#ithstan&in/ all his 0e$%ecti n' h 0e& % $ that in hea!en sa+in/' ,I shall "e satis%ie& #hen 2 .$ /l $+ shall a00ea$1-6* *B1 Th.s' then' the 0eace an& t$an7.illit+ an& satis%acti n % hea$t t #hich the s .l ma+ attain in this li%e a$e n t s.%%icient t $elie!e it %$ m its /$ anin/' 0eace%.l an& 0ainless th ./h it "e' #hile it h 0es % $ that #hich is still #antin/1 G$ anin/ "el n/s t h 0e' as the A0 stle sa+s % himsel% an& the$s' th ./h 0e$%ect' ,O.$sel!es als ' #h ha!e the %i$st %$.its % the S0i$it' e!en #e .$sel!es /$ an #ithin .$sel!es' #aitin/ % $ the
*> Sect1 *1 *G Ps1 1D?1* 6B J hn 1A?D 61 J.&/1 1@?1A 6* Ps1 1@?1A
6B
6A
:B
a& 0ti n % the s ns % G &1- 66 The s .l /$ ans #hen the hea$t is enam $e&' % $ #he$e l !e # .n&s the$e is hea$& the /$ anin/ % the # .n&e& ne' c m0lainin/ %eelin/l+ % the a"sence % the Bel !e&' es0eciall+ #hen' a%te$ tastin/ % the s#eet c n!e$sati n % the B$i&e/$ m' it %in&s itsel% s.&&enl+ al ne' an& in a$i&it+' "eca.se He has / ne a#a+1 That is #h+ it c$ies' 8You have fled like the hart.9
1B
1A
*11 He$e it is t "e "se$!e& that in the Canticle % Canticles the "$i&e c m0a$es the B$i&e/$ m t the $ e an& the ha$t n the m .ntains3,M+ Bel !e& is li(e a $ e an& t a %a#n % ha$ts-6:3n t nl+ "eca.se He is sh+' s lita$+' an& a! i&s c m0ani ns as the ha$t' ".t als % $ his s.&&en a00ea$ance an& &isa00ea$ance1 That is His #a+ in His !isits t &e! .t s .ls in $&e$ t c m% $t an& enc .$a/e them' an& in the #ith&$a#in/ an& a"sence #hich He ma(es them %eel a%te$ th se !isits in $&e$ t t$+' h.m"le' an& teach them1 F $ that 0.$0 se He ma(es them %eel the 0ain % His a"sence m st (eenl+' as the % ll #in/ # $&s sh #? 8Having wounded me.9
*B
**1 It is as i% it ha& sai&' ,It #as n t en ./h that I sh .l& %eel the 0ain an& /$ie% #hich 2 .$ a"sence ca.ses' an& %$ m #hich I am c ntin.all+ s.%%e$in/' ".t 2 . m.st' a%te$ # .n&in/ me #ith the a$$ # % 2 .$ l !e' an& inc$easin/ m+ l n/in/ an& &esi$e t see 2 .' $.n a#a+ %$ m me #ith the s#i%tness % the ha$t' an& n t 0e$mit me t la+ h l& % 2 .' e!en % $ a m ment1*61 F $ the clea$e$ .n&e$stan&in/ % this #e a$e t (ee0 in min& that' "esi&e the man+ (in&s % G &Ls !isits t the s .l' in #hich He # .n&s it #ith l !e' the$e a$e c mm nl+ ce$tain sec$et t .ches % l !e' #hich' li(e a %ie$+ a$$ #' 0ie$ce an& 0enet$ate the s .l' an& ".$n it #ith the %i$e % l !e1 These a$e 0$ 0e$l+ calle& the # .n&s % l !e' an& it is % these the s .l is he$e s0ea(in/1 These # .n&s s in%lame the #ill' that the s .l "ec mes s en!el 0e& #ith the %i$e % l !e as t a00ea$ c ns.me& the$e"+1 The+ ma(e it / % $th .t % itsel%' an& "e $ene#e&' an& ente$ n an the$ li%e' as the 0h eni5 %$ m the %i$e1 *:1 Da!i&' s0ea(in/ % this' sa+s' ,M+ hea$t has "een in%lame&' an& m+ $eins ha!e "een chan/e&9 an& I am "$ ./ht t n thin/' an& I (ne# n t1- 6A The &esi$es an& a%%ecti ns' calle& the $eins "+ the 0$ 0het' a$e all sti$$e& an& &i!inel+ chan/e& in this ".$nin/ % the hea$t' an& the s .l' th$ ./h l !e' melte& int n thin/' (n #in/ n thin/ ".t l !e1 At this time the chan/in/ % the $eins is a /$eat 0ain' an& l n/in/ % $ the !isi n % G &9 it seems t the s .l that G & t$eats it #ith int le$a"le se!e$it+' s m.ch s that the se!e$it+ #ith #hich l !e t$eats it seems t the s .l .nen&.$a"le' n t "eca.se it is # .n&e&3% $ it c nsi&e$s s.ch # .n&s t "e its sal!ati n3".t "eca.se it is th.s s.%%e$in/ %$ m its l !e' an& "eca.se He has n t # .n&e& it m $e &ee0l+ s as t ca.se &eath' that it ma+ "e .nite& t Him in the li%e % 0e$%ect l !e1 The s .l' the$e% $e' ma/ni%+in/ its s $$ #s' $ $e!ealin/ them' sa+s'
66 R m1 >?*6 6: Cant1 *?G 6A Ps1 D*?*1'**
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
8Having wounded me.9 A *A1 The s .l sa+s in e%%ect' ,2 . ha!e a"an& ne& me a%te$ # .n&in/ me' an& 2 . ha!e le%t me &+in/ % l !e9 an& then 2 . ha!e hi&&en 2 .$sel% as a ha$t s#i%tl+ $.nnin/ a#a+1- This im0$essi n is m st 0$ % .n& in the s .l9 % $ "+ the # .n& % l !e' ma&e in the s .l "+ G &' the a%%ecti ns % the #ill lea& m st $a0i&l+ t the 0 ssessi n % the Bel !e&' #h se t .ch it %elt' an& as $a0i&l+ als ' His a"sence' an& its ina"ilit+ t ha!e the %$.iti n % Him he$e as it &esi$es1 The$e.0 n s.ccee& the /$ anin/ "eca.se % His a"sence9 % $ these !isitati ns % G & a$e n t li(e th se #hich $ec$eate an& satis%+ the s .l' "eca.se the+ a$e $athe$ % $ # .n&in/ than % $ healin/3m $e % $ a%%lictin/ than % $ satis%+in/ it' seein/ that the+ ten& $athe$ t 7.ic(en the (n #le&/e' an& inc$ease the l n/in/' an& c nse7.entl+ 0ain #ith the l n/in/ % $ the !isi n % G &1 The+ a$e calle& the s0i$it.al # .n&s % l !e' m st s#eet t the s .l an& &esi$a"le9 an&' the$e% $e' #hen it is th.s # .n&e& the s .l # .l& #illin/l+ &ie a th .san& &eaths' "eca.se these # .n&s ma(e it / % $th .t % itsel%' an& ente$ int G &' #hich is the meanin/ % the # $&s that % ll #? 8I ran after You, rying! but You were gone.9 *B *@1 The$e can "e n $eme&+ % $ the # .n&s % l !e ".t %$ m Him #h in%licte& them1 An& s the # .n&e& s .l' .$/e& "+ the !ehemence % that ".$nin/ #hich the # .n&s % l !e ccasi n' $.ns a%te$ the Bel !e&' c$+in/ t Him % $ $elie%1 This s0i$it.al $.nnin/ a%te$ G & has a t# J% l& meanin/1 The %i$st is a / in/ % $th %$ m all c$eate& thin/s' #hich is e%%ecte& "+ hatin/ an& &es0isin/ them9 the sec n&' a / in/ % $th .t % nesel%' "+ % $/ettin/ sel%' #hich is "$ ./ht a" .t "+ the l !e % G &1 F $ #hen the l !e % G & t .ches the s .l #ith that !i!i&ness % #hich #e a$e he$e s0ea(in/' it s ele!ates it' that it / es % $th n t nl+ .t % itsel% "+ sel%J% $/et%.lness' ".t it is als &$a#n a#a+ %$ m its #n C.&/ment' nat.$al #a+s an& inclinati ns' c$+in/ a%te$ G &' ,O m+ B$i&e/$ m'as i% sa+in/' ,B+ this t .ch % 2 .$s an& # .n& % l !e ha!e 2 . &$a#n me a#a+ n t nl+ %$ m all c$eate& thin/s' ".t als %$ m m+sel%3% $' in t$.th' s .l an& " &+ seem n # t 0a$t3an& $aise& me .0 t 2 .$sel%' c$+in/ a%te$ 2 . in &etachment %$ m all thin/s that I mi/ht "e attache& t 2 .? 8You were gone.9 *D1 As i% sa+in/' ,)hen I s ./ht 2 .$ 0$esence' I % .n& 2 . n t9 an& I #as &etache& %$ m all thin/s #ith .t "ein/ a"le t clin/ t 2 .3" $ne 0ain%.ll+ "+ the /ales % l !e #ith .t hel0 in 2 . $ in m+sel%1- This / in/ % $th % the s .l in sea$ch % the Bel !e& is the $isin/ % the "$i&e in the Canticle? ,I #ill $ise an& / a" .t the cit+9 in the st$eets an& the hi/h #a+s I #ill see( Him )h m m+ s .l l !es1 I ha!e s ./ht Him an& ha!e n t % .n& 1 1 1 the+ # .n&e& me1-6@ The $isin/ % the "$i&e3s0ea(in/ s0i$it.all+3is %$ m that #hich is mean t that #hich is n "le9 an& is the same #ith the / in/ % $th % the s .l .t % its #n #a+s an& in%e$i $ l !e t the enn "lin/ l !e % G &1 The "$i&e sa+s that she #as # .n&e& "eca.se she % .n& him n t96D s the s .l als sa+s % itsel% that it is # .n&e& #ith l !e an& % $sa(en9 that is' the l !in/ s .l is e!e$ in 0ain &.$in/
6@ Cant1 6?*' A?D 6D Cant1 A?@'D
1B
1A
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
the a"sence % the Bel !e&' "eca.se it has /i!en itsel% .0 #h ll+ t Him h 0in/ % $ the $e#a$& % its sel%Js.$$en&e$' the P ssessi n % the Bel !e&1 Still the Bel !e& #ithh l&s Himsel% #hile the s .l has l st all thin/s' an& e!en itsel%' % $ Him9 it "tains n c m0ensati n % $ its l ss' seein/ that it is &e0$i!e& % Him #h m it l !es1 A *>1 This 0ain an& sense % the a"sence % G & is # nt t "e s 00$essi!e in th se #h a$e / in/ n#a$&s t the state % 0e$%ecti n' that the+ # .l& &ie i% G & &i& n t inte$0 se #hen the &i!ine # .n&s a$e in%licte& .0 n them1 As the+ ha!e the 0alate % the #ill #h les me' an& the min& 0.$e an& &is0 se& % $ G &' an& as the+ taste in s me &e/$ee % the s#eetness % &i!ine l !e' #hich the+ s.0$emel+ &esi$e' s the+ als s.%%e$ s.0$emel+9 % $' ha!in/ ".t a /lim0se % an in%inite / & #hich the+ a$e n t 0e$mitte& t enC +' that is t them an ine%%a"le 0ain an& t $ment1
1B
STANZA II
A O she"herds, you who go #hrough the shee" ots u" the hill, If you shall see Him Whom I love, #ell Him I languish, suffer, and die. THE s .l # .l& n # em0l + inte$cess $s an& me&iat $s "et#een itsel% an& the Bel !e&' 0$a+in/ them t ma(e its s.%%e$in/s an& a%%licti ns (n #n1 One in l !e' #hen he cann t c n!e$se 0e$s nall+ #ith the "Cect % his l !e' #ill & s in the "est #a+ he can1 Th.s the s .l em0l +s its a%%ecti ns' &esi$es' an& /$ anin/s as messen/e$s #ell a"le t mani%est the sec$et % its hea$t t the Bel !e&1 Acc $&in/l+' it calls .0 n them t & this' sa+in/? 8O she"herds, you who go.9 *B *1 The she0he$&s a$e the a%%ecti ns' an& &esi$es' an& /$ anin/s % the s .l' % $ the+ %ee& it #ith s0i$it.al / & thin/s1 A she0he$& is ne #h %ee&s? an& "+ means % s.ch G & c mm.nicates Himsel% t the s .l an& %ee&s it in the &i!ine 0ast.$es9 % $ #ith .t these /$ ans an& &esi$es He c mm.nicates ".t sli/htl+ #ith it1 8You who go.9 *A 2 . #h / % $th in 0.$e l !e9 % $ all &esi$es an& a%%ecti ns & n t $each G &' ".t nl+ th se #hich 0$ cee& %$ m since$e l !e1 8#hrough the shee" ots u" the hill.9 6B 61 The shee0c ts a$e the hea!enl+ hie$a$chies' the an/elic ch i$s' "+ #h se minist$+' %$ m ch i$ t ch i$' .$ 0$a+e$s an& si/hs ascen& t G &9 that is' t the hill' ,% $ He is the hi/hest eminence' an& "eca.se in Him' as n a hill' #e "se$!e an& "eh l& all thin/s' the hi/he$ an& the l #e$ shee0c ts1- T Him .$ 0$a+e$s ascen&' %%e$e& "+ an/els' as I ha!e sai&9 s the an/el sai& t T "it ,)hen + . 0$a+e& #ith tea$s' an& ".$ie& the &ea& 1 1 1 I %%e$e& + .$ 0$a+e$ t the L $&1-6> :1 The she0he$&s als a$e the an/els themsel!es' #h n t nl+ ca$$+ .$ 0etiti ns t G &' ".t als "$in/ & #n the /$aces % G & t .$ s .ls' %ee&in/ them li(e / & she0he$&s' #ith the s#eet c mm.nicati ns an& ins0i$ati ns % G &' )h em0l +s them in that minist$+1 The+ als 0$ tect .s an& &e%en& .s a/ainst the # l!es' #hich a$e the e!il s0i$its1 An& th.s' #hethe$ #e .n&e$stan& the a%%ecti ns $ the an/els "+ the she0he$&s' the s .l calls .0 n " th t "e its messen/e$s t the Bel !e&' an& th.s a&&$esses them all? 8If you shall see Him,9
6> T "1 1*?1*
1B
1A
6A
:B
:A
That is t sa+? A1 I%' t m+ /$eat ha00iness + . shall c me int His 0$esence' s that He shall see + . an& hea$ + .$ # $&s1 G &' in&ee&' (n #s all thin/s' e!en the !e$+ th ./hts % the s .l' as He sai& t M ses'6G ".t it is then He "eh l&s .$ necessities #hen He $elie!es them' an& hea$s .$ 0$a+e$s #hen he /$ants them1 G & & es n t see all necessities an& hea$ all 0etiti ns .ntil the time a00 inte& shall ha!e c me9 it is then that He is sai& t hea$ an& see' as #e lea$n in the " ( % E5 &.s1 )hen the chil&$en % Is$ael ha& "een a%%licte& % $ % .$ h.n&$e& +ea$s as se$%s in E/+0t' G & sai& t M ses' ,I ha!e seen the a%%licti n % m+ 0e 0le in E/+0t' an& I ha!e hea$& thei$ c$+' an& 1 1 1 I am c me & #n t &eli!e$ them1-:B An& +et He ha& seen it al#a+s1 S als St1 Ga"$iel "a&e Facha$iah n t t %ea$' "eca.se G & ha& hea$& his 0$a+e$' an& # .l& /$ant him the s n' % $ #h m he ha& "een 0$a+in/ % $ man+ +ea$s9:1 +et G & ha& al#a+s hea$& him1 E!e$+ s .l ./ht t c nsi&e$ that G &' th ./h He & es n t at nce hel0 .s an& /$ant .$ 0etiti ns' #ill still s.cc $ .s in His #n time' % $ He is' as Da!i& sa+s' ,a hel0e$ in &.e time in t$i".lati n'- :* i% #e & n t "ec me %aintJhea$te& an& cease t 0$a+1 This is #hat the s .l means "+ sa+in/' ,I% + . shall see Him-9 that is t sa+' i% the time is c me #hen it shall "e His / & 0leas.$e t /$ant m+ 0etiti ns1 @1 ,)h m I l !e the m st-? that is' #h m I l !e m $e than all c$eat.$es1 This is t$.e % the s .l #hen n thin/ can ma(e it a%$ai& t & an& s.%%e$ all thin/s in His se$!ice1 An& #hen the s .l can als t$.l+ sa+ that #hich % ll #s' it is a si/n that it l !es Him a" !e all thin/s? 8#ell Him I languish, suffer, and die.9 D1 He$e the s .l s0ea(s % th$ee thin/s that &ist$ess it? namel+' lan/. $' s.%%e$in/' an& &eath9 % $ the s .l that t$.l+ l !es G & #ith a l !e in s me &e/$ee 0e$%ect' s.%%e$s in th$ee #a+s in His a"sence' in its th$ee 0 #e$s $&ina$il+3the .n&e$stan&in/' the #ill' an& the mem $+1 In the .n&e$stan&in/ it lan/.ishes "eca.se it & es n t see G &' )h is the sal!ati n % it' as the Psalmist sa+s? ,I am + .$ sal!ati n1- :6 In the #ill it s.%%e$s' "eca.se it 0 ssesses n t G &' )h is its c m% $t an& &eli/ht' as Da!i& als sa+s? ,2 . shall ma(e them &$in( % the t $$ent % 2 .$ 0leas.$e1- :: In the mem $+ it &ies' "eca.se it $emem"e$s its 0$i!ati n % all the "lessin/s % the .n&e$stan&in/' #hich a$e the !isi n % G &' an& % the &eli/hts % the #ill' #hich a$e the %$.iti n % Him' an& that it is !e$+ 0 ssi"le als that it ma+ l se Him % $ e!e$' "eca.se % the &an/e$s an& chances % this li%e1 In the mem $+' the$e% $e' the s .l la" $s .n&e$ a sensati n li(e that % &eath' "eca.se it sees itsel% #ith .t the ce$tain an& 0e$%ect %$.iti n % G &' )h is the li%e % the s .l' as M ses sa+s? ,He is + .$ li%e1-:A >1 Je$emiah als ' in the Lamentati ns' s0ea(s % these th$ee thin/s' 0$a+in/ t G &' an&
6G De.t1 61?*1 :B E5 &1 6?D'> :1 L.(e 1?16 :* Ps1 G?1B :6 Ps1 6:?6 :: Ps1 6A?G :A De.t1 6B?*B
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
1B
sa+in/? ,Remem"e$ m+ 0 !e$t+ 1 1 1 the # $m# & an& the /all1- :@ P !e$t+ $elates t the .n&e$stan&in/' t #hich a00e$tain the $iches % the (n #le&/e % the S n % G &' ,in #h m all the t$eas.$es % #is& m an& (n #le&/e a$e hi&1- :D The # $m# &' #hich is a m st "itte$ he$"' $elates t the #ill' t #hich a00e$tains the s#eetness % the %$.iti n % G &' &e0$i!e& % #hich it a"i&es in "itte$ness1 )e lea$n in the Re!elati n that "itte$ness a00e$tains s0i$it.all+ t the #ill' % $ the an/el sai& t St1 J hn? ,Ta(e the " ( an& eat it .09 an& it shall ma(e + .$ "ell+ "itte$1- :> He$e the "ell+ si/ni%ies the #ill1 The /all $elates n t nl+ t the mem $+' ".t als t all the 0 #e$s an& %ac.lties % the s .l' % $ it si/ni%ies the &eath the$e %' as #e lea$n %$ m M ses s0ea(in/ % the &amne&? ,Thei$ #ine is the /all % &$a/ ns' an& the !en m % as0s' #hich is inc.$a"le1- :G This si/ni%ies the l ss % G &' #hich is the &eath % the s .l1 G1 These th$ee thin/s #hich &ist$ess the s .l a$e /$ .n&e& n the th$ee the l /ical !i$t.es3%aith' cha$it+' an& h 0e' #hich $elate' in the $&e$ he$e assi/ne& them' t the th$ee %ac.lties % the s .l3.n&e$stan&in/' #ill' an& mem $+1 O"se$!e he$e that the s .l & es n m $e than $e0$esent its mise$ies an& 0ain t the Bel !e&? % $ he #h l !es #isel+ & es n t ca$e t as( % $ that #hich he #ants an& &esi$es' "ein/ satis%ie& #ith hintin/ at his necessities' s that the "el !e& ne ma+ & #hat shall t him seem / &1 Th.s the Blesse& <i$/in at the ma$$ia/e %east % Cana as(e& n t &i$ectl+ % $ #ine' ".t nl+ sai& t he$ Bel !e& S n' ,The+ ha!e n #ine1- AB The siste$s % La4a$.s sent t Him' n t t as( Him t heal thei$ "$ the$' ".t nl+ t sa+ that he #h m He l !e& #as sic(? ,L $&' "eh l&' he #h m 2 . l !e is sic(1-A1 1B1 The$e a$e th$ee $eas ns % $ this1 O.$ L $& (n #s #hat is e50e&ient % $ .s "ette$ than #e & .$sel!es1 Sec n&l+' the Bel !e& is m $e c m0assi nate t #a$&s .s #hen He sees .$ necessities an& .$ $esi/nati n1 Thi$&l+' #e a$e m $e sec.$e& a/ainst sel%Jl !e an& sel%Jsee(in/ #hen #e $e0$esent .$ necessit+' than #hen #e as( % $ that #hich #e thin( #e nee&1 It is in this #a+ that the s .l $e0$esents its th$ee necessities9 as i% it sai&? ,Tell m+ Bel !e&' that as I lan/.ish' an& as He nl+ is m+ sal!ati n' t sa!e me9 that as I am s.%%e$in/' an& as He nl+ is m+ C +' t /i!e me C +9 that as I am &+in/' an& as He nl+ is m+ li%e' t /i!e me li%e1-
1A
*B
*A
6B
:@ Lam1 6?1G :D C l1 *?6 :> Re!1 1B?G :G De.t1 6*?66 AB J hn *?6 A1 J hn 11?6
STANZA III
A In sear h of my $ove I will go over mountains and strands! I will gather no flowers, I will fear no wild beasts! And "ass by the mighty and the frontiers. THE s .l' "se$!in/ that its si/hs an& 0$a+e$s s.%%ice n t t %in& the Bel !e&' an& that it has n t "een hel0e& "+ the messen/e$s it in! (e& in the %i$st an& sec n& stan4as' #ill n t' "eca.se its sea$chin/ is $eal an& its l !e /$eat' lea!e .n& ne an+thin/ itsel% can & 1 The s .l that $eall+ l !es G & is n t &ilat $+ in its e%% $ts t %in& the S n % G &' its Bel !e&9 an&' e!en #hen it has & ne all it c .l& it is still n t satis%ie&' thin(in/ it has & ne n thin/1 Acc $&in/l+' the s .l is n #' in this thi$& stan4a' acti!el+ see(in/ the Bel !e&' an& sa+in/ h # He is t "e % .n&9 namel+' in the 0$actice % all !i$t.e an& in the s0i$it.al e5e$cises % the acti!e an& c ntem0lati!e li%e9 % $ this en& it $eCects all &eli/hts an& all c m% $ts9 an& all the 0 #e$ an& #iles % its th$ee enemies' the # $l&' the &e!il' an& the %lesh' a$e .na"le t &ela+ it $ hin&e$ it n the $ a&1 8In sear h of my $ove.9 *1 He$e the s .l ma(es it (n #n that t %in& G & it is n t en ./h t 0$a+ #ith the hea$t an& the t n/.e' $ t ha!e $ec .$se t the hel0 % the$s9 #e m.st als # $( .$sel!es' acc $&in/ t .$ 0 #e$1 G & !al.es ne e%% $t % .$ #n m $e than man+ % the$s n .$ "ehal%9 the s .l' the$e% $e' $emem"e$in/ the sa+in/ % the Bel !e&' ,See( an& + . shall %in&'-A* is $es l!e& n / in/ % $th' as I sai& C.st n #' t see( Him acti!el+' an& n t $est till it %in&s Him' as man+ & #h #ill n t that G & sh .l& c st them an+thin/ ".t # $&s' an& e!en th se ca$elessl+ .tte$e&' an& % $ His sa(e #ill & n thin/ that #ill c st them an+thin/1 S me' t ' #ill n t lea!e % $ His sa(e a 0lace #hich is t thei$ taste an& li(in/' e50ectin/ t $ecei!e all the s#eetness % G & in thei$ m .th an& in thei$ hea$t #ith .t m !in/ a ste0' #ith .t m $ti%+in/ themsel!es "+ the a"an& nment % a sin/le 0leas.$e $ .seless c m% $t1 61 B.t .ntil the+ / % $th .t % themsel!es t see( Him' h #e!e$ l .&l+ the+ ma+ c$+ the+ #ill n t %in& Him9 % $ the "$i&e in the Canticle s ./ht Him in this #a+' ".t she % .n& Him n t .ntil she #ent .t t see( Him? ,In m+ little "e& in the ni/hts I ha!e s ./ht Him )h m m+ s .l l !es? I ha!e s ./ht Him an& ha!e n t % .n& Him1 I #ill $ise an& #ill / a" .t the cit+? "+ the st$eets an& hi/h#a+s I #ill see( Him )h m m+ s .l l !es1-A6 She a%te$#a$&s a&&s that #hen she ha& en&.$e& ce$tain t$ials she ,% .n& Him1-A: :1 He' the$e% $e' #h see(s G &' c ns.ltin/ his #n ease an& c m% $t' see(s Him "+ ni/ht' an& the$e% $e %in&s Him n t1 B.t he #h see(s Him in the 0$actice % !i$t.e an& % / & # $(s' castin/ asi&e the c m% $ts % his #n "e&' see(s Him "+ &a+9 s.ch a ne
A* L.(e 11?G A6 Cant1 6?1 A: Cant1 6?:
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
shall %in& Him' % $ that #hich is n t seen "+ ni/ht is !isi"le "+ &a+1 The B$i&e/$ m Himsel% teaches .s this' sa+in/' ,)is& m is clea$ an& ne!e$ %a&es a#a+' an& is easil+ seen % them that l !e he$' an& is % .n& % them that see( he$1 She 0$e!ents them that c !et he$' that she %i$st ma+ sh # he$sel% t them1 He that a#a(es ea$l+ t see( he$ shall n t la" $9 % $ he shall %in& he$ sittin/ at his & $s1- AA The s .l that #ill / .t % the h .se % its #n #ill' an& a"an& n the "e& % its #n satis%acti n' #ill %in& the &i!ine )is& m' the S n % G &' the B$i&e/$ m #aitin/ at the & $ #ith .t' an& s the s .l sa+s? 8I will go over mountains and strands.9 A1 M .ntains' #hich a$e l %t+' si/ni%+ !i$t.es' 0a$tl+ n acc .nt % thei$ hei/ht an& 0a$tl+ n acc .nt % the t il an& la" $ % ascen&in/ them9 the s .l sa+s it #ill ascen& t them in the 0$actice % the c ntem0lati!e li%e1 St$an&s' #hich a$e l #' si/ni%+ m $ti%icati ns' 0enances' an& the s0i$it.al e5e$cises' an& the s .l #ill a&& t the acti!e li%e that % c ntem0lati n9 % $ " th a$e necessa$+ in see(in/ a%te$ G & an& in ac7.i$in/ !i$t.e1 The s .l sa+s' in e%%ect' ,In sea$chin/ a%te$ m+ Bel !e& I #ill 0$actice /$eat !i$t.e' an& a"ase m+sel% "+ l #l+ m $ti%icati ns an& acts % h.milit+' % $ the #a+ t see( G & is t & / & # $(s in Him' an& t m $ti%+ the e!il in .$sel!es' as it is sai& in the # $&s that % ll #? 8I will gather no flowers.9
1B
1A
*B
*A
@1 He that #ill see( a%te$ G & m.st ha!e his hea$t &etache&' $es l.te' an& %$ee %$ m all e!ils' an& %$ m all / &s #hich a$e n t sim0l+ G &9 that is the meanin/ % these # $&s1 The # $&s that % ll # &esc$i"e the li"e$t+ an& c .$a/e #hich the s .l m.st 0 ssess in sea$chin/ a%te$ G &1 He$e it &ecla$es that it #ill /athe$ n %l #e$s "+ the #a+3the %l #e$s a$e all the &eli/hts' satis%acti ns' an& 0leas.$es #hich this li%e %%e$s' an& #hich' i% the s .l s ./ht $ acce0te&' # .l& hin&e$ it n the $ a&1 D1 These %l #e$s a$e % th$ee (in&s3tem0 $al' sens.al' an& s0i$it.al1 All % them cc.0+ the hea$t' an& stan& in the #a+ % the s0i$it.al &etachment $e7.i$e& in the #a+ % Ch$ist' i% #e $e/a$& them $ $est in them1 The s .l' the$e% $e' sa+s' that it #ill n t st 0 t /athe$ an+ % them' that it ma+ see( a%te$ G &1 It seems t sa+' I #ill n t set m+ hea$t .0 n $iches $ the / &s % this # $l&9 I #ill n t in&.l/e in the satis%acti ns an& ease % the %lesh' neithe$ #ill I c ns.lt the taste an& c m% $ts % m+ s0i$it' in $&e$ that n thin/ ma+ &etain me in m+ sea$ch a%te$ m+ L !e n the t ils me m .ntains % !i$t.e1 This means that it acce0ts the c .nsel % the 0$ 0het Da!i& t th se #h t$a!el n this $ a&? ,I% $iches a" .n&' set n t + .$ hea$t .0 n them'-A@ This is a00lica"le t sens.al satis%acti ns' as #ell as t tem0 $al / &s an& s0i$it.al c ns lati ns1 >1 F$ m this #e lea$n that n t nl+ tem0 $al / &s an& " &il+ 0leas.$es hin&e$ .s n the $ a& t G &' ".t s0i$it.al &eli/ht an& c ns lati ns als ' i% #e attach .$sel!es t them $ see( them9 % $ these thin/s a$e hin&$ances n the #a+ % the c$ ss % Ch$ist' the B$i&e/$ m1 He' the$e% $e' that #ill / n#a$&s m.st n t nl+ n t st 0 t /athe$ %l #e$s' ".t m.st als ha!e the c .$a/e an& $es l.ti n t sa+ as % ll #s?
AA )is&1 @?16 A@ Ps1 @1?11
6B
6A
:B
:A
8I will fear no wild beasts and I will go over the mighty and the frontiers.9 A He$e #e ha!e the th$ee enemies % the s .l #hich ma(e #a$ a/ainst it' an& ma(e its #a+ %.ll % &i%%ic.lties1 The #il& "easts a$e the # $l&9 the mi/ht+' the &e!il9 an& the %$ ntie$s a$e the %lesh1 G1 The # $l& is the #il& "easts' "eca.se in the "e/innin/ % the hea!enl+ C .$ne+ the ima/inati n 0ict.$es the # $l& t the s .l as #il& "easts' th$eatenin/ an& %ie$ce' 0$inci0all+ in th$ee #a+s1 The %i$st is' #e m.st % $%eit the # $l&Ls %a! $' l se %$ien&s' c$e&it' $e0.tati n' an& 0$ 0e$t+9 the sec n& is n t less c$.el? #e m.st s.%%e$ the 0e$0et.al &e0$i!ati n % all the c m% $ts an& 0leas.$es % the # $l&9 an& the thi$& is still # $se? e!il t n/.es #ill $ise a/ainst .s' m c( .s' an& s0ea( % .s #ith c ntem0t1 This st$i(es s me 0e$s ns s !i!i&l+ that it "ec mes m st &i%%ic.lt % $ them' I & n t sa+ t 0e$se!e$e' ".t e!en t ente$ n this $ a& at all1 1B1 B.t the$e a$e /ene$ .s s .ls #h ha!e t enc .nte$ #il& "easts % a m $e inte$i $ an& s0i$it.al nat.$e3t$ials' tem0tati ns' t$i".lati ns' an& a%%licti ns % &i!e$se (in&s' th$ ./h #hich the+ m.st 0ass1 This is #hat G & sen&s t th se #h m He is $aisin/ .0#a$&s t hi/h 0e$%ecti n' 0$ !in/ them an& t$+in/ them as / l& in the %i$e9 as Da!i& sa+s? ,Man+ a$e the t$i".lati ns % the C.st9 an& .t % all these .$ L $& #ill &eli!e$ them1-AD B.t the t$.l+ enam $e& s .l' 0$e%e$$in/ the Bel !e& a" !e all thin/s' an& $el+in/ n His l !e an& %a! $' %in&s n &i%%ic.lt+ in sa+in/? 8I will fear no wild beats9 8and "ass over the mighty and the frontiers.9 6B 111 E!il s0i$its' the sec n& enem+ % the s .l' a$e calle& the mi/ht+' "eca.se the+ st$i!e #ith all thei$ mi/ht t sei4e n the 0asses % the s0i$it.al $ a&9 an& "eca.se the tem0tati ns the+ s.//est a$e ha$&e$ t !e$c me' an& the c$a%t the+ em0l + m $e &i%%ic.lt t &etect' than all the se&.cti ns % the # $l& an& the %lesh9 an& "eca.se' als ' the+ st$en/then thei$ #n 0 siti n "+ the hel0 % the # $l& an& the %lesh in $&e$ t %i/ht !i/ $ .sl+ a/ainst the s .l1 Hence the Psalmist calls them mi/ht+' sa+in/? ,The mi/ht+ ha!e s ./ht a%te$ m+ s .l1-A> The 0$ 0het J " als s0ea(s % thei$ mi/ht? ,The$e is n 0 #e$ .0 n the ea$th that ma+ "e c m0a$e& #ith him #h #as ma&e t %ea$ n man1-AG 1*1 The$e is n h.man 0 #e$ that can "e c m0a$e& #ith the 0 #e$ % the &e!il' an& the$e% $e the &i!ine 0 #e$ al ne can !e$c me him' an& the &i!ine li/ht al ne can 0enet$ate his &e!ices1 N s .l the$e% $e can !e$c me his mi/ht #ith .t 0$a+e$' $ &etect his ill.si ns #ith .t h.milit+ an& m $ti%icati n1 Hence the e5h $tati n % St1 Pa.l t the %aith%.l? ,P.t n the a$m $ % G &' that + . ma+ stan& a/ainst the &eceits % the &e!il? % $ .$ #$estlin/ is n t a/ainst %lesh an& "l &1- @B Bl & he$e is the # $l&' an& the a$m $ % G & is 0$a+e$ an& the c$ ss % Ch$ist' #he$ein c nsist the h.milit+ an&
AD Ps1 66?*B A> Ps1 A6?A AG J " :1?*: @B E0h1 @?11
1B
1A
*B
*A
6A
:B
m $ti%icati n % #hich I ha!e s0 (en1 161 The s .l sa+s als that it #ill c$ ss the %$ ntie$s? these a$e the nat.$al $esistance an& $e"elli n % the %lesh a/ainst the s0i$it' % $' as St1 Pa.l sa+s' the ,%lesh l.sts a/ainst the s0i$it'-@1 an& sets itsel% as a %$ ntie$ a/ainst the s .l n its s0i$it.al $ a&1 This %$ ntie$ the s .l m.st c$ ss' s.$m .ntin/ &i%%ic.lties' an& t$am0lin/ .n&e$% t all sens.al a00etites an& all nat.$al a%%ecti ns #ith /$eat c .$a/e an& $es l.ti n % s0i$it? % $ #hile the+ $emain in the s .l' the s0i$it #ill "e "+ them hin&e$e& %$ m a&!ancin/ t the t$.e li%e an& s0i$it.al &eli/ht1 This is set clea$l+ "e% $e .s "+ St1 Pa.l' sa+in/? ,I% "+ the s0i$it + . m $ti%+ the &ee&s % the %lesh' + . shall li!e1- @* This' then' is the 0$ cess #hich the s .l in this stan4a sa+s it "ec mes it t "se$!e n the #a+ t see( the Bel !e&? #hich "$ie%l+ is a %i$m $es l.ti n n t t st 0 t /athe$ %l #e$s "+ the #a+9 c .$a/e n t t %ea$ the #il& "easts' an& st$en/th t 0ass "+ the mi/ht+ an& the %$ ntie$s9 intent s lel+ n / in/ !e$ the m .ntains an& the st$an&s % the !i$t.es' in the #a+ C.st e50laine&1
1B
@1 Gal1 A?1D @* R m1 >?16
STANZA IV
A O groves and thi kets %lanted by the hand of the Beloved! O verdant meads &nameled with flowers, #ell me, has He "assed by you? THE &is0 siti n $e7.isite % $ ente$in/ n the s0i$it.al C .$ne+' a"stinence %$ m C +s an& 0leas.$e' "ein/ n # &esc$i"e&9 an& the c .$a/e als #ith #hich t !e$c me tem0tati ns an& t$ials' #he$ein c nsists the 0$actice % sel%J(n #le&/e' #hich is the %i$st ste0 % the s .l t the (n #le&/e % G &1 N #' in this stan4a the s .l "e/ins t a&!ance th$ ./h c nsi&e$ati n an& (n #le&/e % c$eat.$es t the (n #le&/e % the Bel !e& thei$ C$eat $1 F $ the c nsi&e$ati n % the c$eat.$e' a%te$ the 0$actice % sel%J(n #le&/e' is the %i$st in $&e$ n the s0i$it.al $ a& t the (n #le&/e % G &' )h se /$an&e.$ an& ma/ni%icence the+ &ecla$e' as the A0 stle sa+s? ,F $ His in!isi"le thin/s %$ m the c$eati n % the # $l& a$e seen' "ein/ .n&e$st & "+ these thin/s that a$e ma&e1- @6 It is as i% he sai&' ,The in!isi"le thin/s % G & a$e ma&e (n #n t the s .l "+ c$eate& thin/s' !isi"le an& in!isi"le1*1 The s .l' then' in this stan4a a&&$esses itsel% t c$eat.$es in7.i$in/ a%te$ the Bel !e&1 An& #e "se$!e' as St1 A./.stine@: sa+s' that the in7.i$+ ma&e % c$eat.$es is a me&itati n n the C$eat $' % $ #hich the+ %.$nish the matte$1 Th.s' in this stan4a the s .l me&itates n the elements an& the $est % the l #e$ c$eati n9 n the hea!ens' an& n the $est % c$eate& an& mate$ial thin/s #hich G & has ma&e the$ein9 als n the hea!enl+ S0i$its' sa+in/? 8O groves and thi kets.9 6B 61 The /$ !es a$e the elements' ea$th' #ate$' ai$' an& %i$e1 As the m st 0leasant /$ !es a$e st.&&e& #ith 0lants an& sh$."s' s the elements a$e thic( #ith c$eat.$es' an& he$e a$e calle& thic(ets "eca.se % the n.m"e$ an& !a$iet+ % c$eat.$es in each1 The ea$th c ntains inn.me$a"le !a$ieties % animals an& 0lants' the #ate$ % %ish' the ai$ % "i$&s' an& %i$e c nc.$s #ith all in animatin/ an& s.stainin/ them1 Each (in& % animal li!es in its 0$ 0e$ element' 0lace& an& 0lante& the$e' as in its #n /$ !e an& s il #he$e it is " $n an& n .$ishe&9 an&' in t$.th' G & s $&e$e& it #hen He ma&e them9 He c mman&e& the ea$th t "$in/ % $th he$"s an& animals9 the #ate$s an& the sea' %ish9 an& the ai$ He /a!e as a ha"itati n t "i$&s1 The s .l' the$e% $e' c nsi&e$in/ that this is the e%%ect % His c mman&ment' c$ies .t' 8%lanted by the hand of the Beloved.9 :A :1 That #hich the s .l c nsi&e$s n # is this? the han& % G & the Bel !e& nl+ c .l& ha!e c$eate& an& n.$t.$e& all these !a$ieties an& # n&e$%.l thin/s1 The s .l sa+s &eli"e$atel+' ,"+ the han& % the Bel !e&'- "eca.se G & & es man+ thin/s "+ the han&s
@6 R m1 1?*B @: C n%1 1B1 @1
1B
1A
*B
*A
6A
:B
% the$s' as % an/els an& men9 ".t the # $( % c$eati n has ne!e$ "een' an& ne!e$ is' the # $( % an+ the$ han& than His #n1 Th.s the s .l' c nsi&e$in/ the c$eati n' is 0$ % .n&l+ sti$$e& .0 t l !e G & the Bel !e& % $ it "eh l&s all thin/s t "e the # $( % His han&s' an& / es n t sa+? A 8O verdant meads.9 A1 These a$e the hea!ens9 % $ the thin/s #hich He has c$eate& in the hea!ens a$e % inc $$.0ti"le %$eshness' #hich neithe$ 0e$ish n $ #ithe$ #ith time' #he$e the C.st a$e $e%$eshe& as in the /$een 0ast.$es1 The 0$esent c nsi&e$ati n incl.&es all the !a$ieties % the sta$s in thei$ "ea.t+' an& the the$ # $(s in the hea!ens1 @1 The Ch.$ch als a00lies the te$m ,!e$&.$e- t hea!enl+ thin/s9 % $ #hile 0$a+in/ t G & % $ the &e0a$tin/ s .l' it a&&$esses it as % ll #s? ,Ma+ Ch$ist' the S n % the li!in/ G &' /i!e + . a 0lace in the e!e$J0leasant !e$&.$e % His 0a$a&ise1- @A The s .l als sa+s that this !e$&ant mea& is 8&nameled with flowers.9 *B D1 The %l #e$s a$e the an/els an& the h l+ s .ls #h a& $n an& "ea.ti%+ that 0lace' as c stl+ an& %ine enamel n a !ase % 0.$e / l&1 8#ell me, has He "assed by you?9 *A >1 This in7.i$+ is the c nsi&e$ati n % the c$eat.$e C.st s0 (en %' an& is in e%%ect? Tell me' #hat 0e$%ecti ns has He c$eate& in + .8
1B
1A
@A O$& c mmen&ati nis animae1
STANZA V
ANS)ER OF THE CREATURES A A thousand gra es diffusing He "assed through the groves in haste, And merely regarding them As He "assed, 'lothed them with His beauty. THIS is the ans#e$ % the c$eat.$es t the s .l #hich' acc $&in/ t St1 A./.stine' in the same 0lace' is the testim n+ #hich the+ %.$nish t the maCest+ an& 0e$%ecti ns % G &' % $ #hich it as(e& in its me&itati n n c$eate& thin/s1 The meanin/ % this stan4a is' in s."stance' as % ll #s? G & c$eate& all thin/s #ith /$eat ease an& $a0i&it+' an& le%t in them s me t (ens % Himsel%' n t nl+ "+ c$eatin/ them .t % n thin/' ".t als "+ en& #in/ them #ith inn.me$a"le /$aces an& 7.alities' ma(in/ them "ea.ti%.l in a&mi$a"le $&e$ an& .nceasin/ m.t.al &e0en&ence1 All this He #$ ./ht in #is& m' "+ #hich He c$eate& them' #hich is the ) $&' His nl+ "e/ tten S n1 Then the s .l sa+s9 8A thousand gra es diffusing.9 *1 These /$aces a$e the inn.me$a"le m.ltit.&e % His c$eat.$es1 The te$m ,th .san&'#hich the s .l ma(es .se %' &en tes n t thei$ n.m"e$' ".t the im0 ssi"ilit+ % n.m"e$in/ them1 The+ a$e calle& /$ace "eca.se % the 7.alities #ith #hich He has en& #e& them1 He is sai& t &i%%.se them "eca.se He %ills the #h le # $l& #ith them1 8He "assed through the groves in haste.9 6B 61 T 0ass th$ ./h the /$ !es is t c$eate the elements9 he$e calle& /$ !es' th$ ./h #hich He is sai& t 0ass' &i%%.sin/ a th .san& /$aces' "eca.se He a& $ne& them #ith c$eat.$es #hich a$e all "ea.ti%.l1 M $e !e$' He &i%%.se& am n/ them a th .san& /$aces' /i!in/ the 0 #e$ % /ene$ati n an& sel%Jc nse$!ati n1 He is sai& t 0ass th$ ./h' "eca.se the c$eat.$es a$e' as it #e$e' t$aces % the 0assa/e % G &' $e!ealin/ His maCest+' 0 #e$' an& #is& m' an& His the$ &i!ine att$i".tes1 He is sai& t 0ass in haste' "eca.se the c$eat.$es a$e the least % the # $(s % G &? He ma&e them' as it #e$e' in 0assin/1 His /$eatest # $(s' #he$ein He is m st !isi"le an& at $est' a$e the inca$nati n % the ) $& an& the m+ste$ies % the Ch$istian %aith' in c m0a$is n #ith #hich all His the$ # $(s #e$e # $(s #$ ./ht in 0assin/ an& in haste1 8And thereby regarding them As He "assed, 'lothed them with His beauty.9 :A :1 The s n % G & is' in the # $&s % St1 Pa.l' ,the "$i/htness % His /l $+ an& the %i/.$e % His s."stance1-@@ G & sa# all thin/s nl+ in the %ace % His S n1 This #as t /i!e them thei$ nat.$al "ein/' "est #in/ .0 n them man+ /$aces an& nat.$al /i%ts'
@@ He"1 1?6
1B
1A
*B
*A
6A
:B
1B
ma(in/ them 0e$%ect' as it is #$itten in the " ( % Genesis? ,G & sa# all the thin/s that He ha& ma&e? an& the+ #e$e !e$+ / &1-@D T see all thin/s !e$+ / & #as t ma(e them !e$+ / & in the ) $&' His S n1 He n t nl+ /a!e them thei$ "ein/ an& thei$ nat.$al /$aces #hen He "ehel& them' ".t He als cl the& them #ith "ea.t+ in the %ace % His S n' c mm.nicatin/ t them a s.0e$nat.$al "ein/ #hen He ma&e man' an& e5alte& him t the "ea.t+ % G &' an&' "+ c nse7.ence' all c$eat.$es in him' "eca.se He .nite& Himsel% t the nat.$e % them all in man1 F $ this ca.se the S n % G & Himsel% sai&' ,An& I' i% I "e li%te& .0 %$ m the ea$th #ill &$a# all thin/s t M+sel%1- @> An& th.s in this e5altati n % the inca$nati n % His S n' an& the /l $+ % His $es.$$ecti n acc $&in/ t the %lesh' the Fathe$ n t nl+ ma&e all thin/s "ea.ti%.l in 0a$t' ".t als ' #e ma+ #ell sa+' cl the& them #h ll+ #ith "ea.t+ an& &i/nit+1 NOTE
1A
*B
BUT "e+ n& all this3s0ea(in/ n # % c ntem0lati n as it a%%ects the s .l an& ma(es an im0$essi n n it3in the !i!i& c ntem0lati n an& (n #le&/e % c$eate& thin/s the s .l "eh l&s s.ch a m.lti0licit+ % /$aces' 0 #e$s' an& "ea.t+ #ith #hich G & has en& #e& them' that the+ seem t it t "e cl the& #ith a&mi$a"le "ea.t+ an& s.0e$nat.$al !i$t.e &e$i!e& %$ m the in%inite s.0e$nat.$al "ea.t+ % the %ace % G &' #h se "eh l&in/ % them cl the& the hea!ens an& the ea$th #ith "ea.t+ an& C +9 as it is #$itten? ,2 . 0en 2 .$ han& an& %ill #ith "lessin/ e!e$+ li!in/ c$eat.$e1- @G Hence the s .l # .n&e& #ith l !e % that "ea.t+ % the Bel !e& #hich it t$aces in c$eate& thin/s' an& an5i .s t "eh l& that "ea.t+ #hich is the s .$ce % this !isi"le "ea.t+' sin/s as in the % ll #in/ stan4a?
@D Gen1 1?61 @> J hn 1*?6* @G Ps1 1::?1@
STANZA VI
THE BRIDE A Oh( who an heal me? )ive me "erfe tly Yourself, *end me no more A messenger Who annot tell me what I wish. AS c$eate& thin/s %.$nish t the s .l t$aces % the Bel !e&' an& e5hi"it the im0$ess % His "ea.t+ an& ma/ni%icence' the l !e % the s .l inc$eases' an& c nse7.entl+ the 0ain % His a"sence? % $ the /$eate$ the s .lLs (n #le&/e % G & the /$eate$ its &esi$e t see Him' an& its 0ain #hen it cann t9 an& as it sees the$e is n $eme&+ % $ this 0ain e5ce0t in the 0$esence an& !isi n % the Bel !e&' &ist$.st%.l % e!e$+ the$ $eme&+' it 0$a+s in this stan4a % $ the %$.iti n % His 0$esence' sa+in/? ,Ente$tain me n m $e #ith an+ (n #le&/e $ c mm.nicati ns $ im0$essi ns % 2 .$ /$an&e.$' % $ these & ".t inc$ease m+ l n/in/ an& the 0ain % 2 .$ a"sence9 2 .$ 0$esence al ne can satis%+ m+ #ill an& &esi$e1- The #ill cann t "e satis%ie& #ith an+thin/ less than the !isi n % G &' an& the$e% $e the s .l 0$a+s that He ma+ "e 0lease& t /i!e Himsel% t it in t$.th' in 0e$%ect l !e1 8O( who an heal me?9 *A *1 That is' the$e is n thin/ in all the &eli/hts % the # $l&' n thin/ in the satis%acti n % the senses' n thin/ in the s#eet taste % the s0i$it that can heal $ c ntent me' an& the$e% $e it a&&s? 6B 8)ive me at on e Yourself.9 61 N s .l that $eall+ l !es can "e satis%ie& $ c ntent sh $t % the %$.iti n % G &1 F $ e!e$+thin/ else' as I ha!e C.st sai&' n t nl+ & es n t satis%+ the s .l' ".t $athe$ inc$eases the h.n/e$ an& thi$st % seein/ Him as He .s1 Th.s e!e$+ /lim0se % the Bel !e&' e!e$+ (n #le&/e an& im0$essi n $ c mm.nicati n %$ m Him3these a$e the messen/e$s s.//esti!e % Him3inc$ease an& 7.ic(en the s .lLs &esi$e a%te$ Him' as c$.m"s % % & in h.n/e$ stim.late the a00etite1 The s .l' the$e% $e' m .$nin/ !e$ the mise$+ % "ein/ ente$taine& "+ matte$s % s little m ment' c$ies .t? 8)ive me "erfe tly Yourself.9 :1 N # all .$ (n #le&/e % G & in this li%e' h #e!e$ /$eat it ma+ "e' is n t a 0e$%ectl+ t$.e (n #le&/e % Him' "eca.se it is 0a$tial an& inc m0lete9 ".t t (n # Him essentiall+ is t$.e (n #le&/e' an& that is it #hich the s .l 0$a+s % $ he$e' n t satis%ie& #ith an+ the$ (in&1 Hence it sa+s? 8*end me no more a messenger.9
1B
1A
*B
6A
:B
:A
A1 That is' /$ant that I ma+ n l n/e$ (n # 2 . in this im0e$%ect #a+ "+ the messen/e$s % (n #le&/e an& im0$essi ns' #hich a$e s &istant %$ m that #hich m+ s .l &esi$es9 % $ these messen/e$s' as 2 . #ell (n #' O m+ B$i&e/$ m' & ".t inc$ease the 0ain % 2 .$ a"sence1 The+ $ene# the # .n& #hich 2 . ha!e in%licte& "+ the (n #le&/e % 2 . #hich the+ c n!e+' an& the+ seem t &ela+ 2 .$ c min/1 Hence% $th sen& me n m $e % these ina&e7.ate c mm.nicati ns' % $ i% I ha!e "een hithe$t satis%ie& #ith them' it #as #in/ t the sli/htness % m+ (n #le&/e an& % m+ l !e? n # that m+ l !e has "ec me /$eat' I cann t satis%+ m+sel% #ith them9 the$e% $e' /i!e me at nce 2 .$sel%1 @1 This' m $e clea$l+ e50$esse&' is as % ll #s? ,O L $& m+ B$i&e/$ m' )h /a!e me 2 .$sel% 0a$tiall+ "e% $e' /i!e me 2 .$sel% #h ll+ n #1 2 . #h sh #e& /lim0ses % 2 .$sel% "e% $e' sh # 2 .$sel% clea$l+ n #1 2 . #h c mm.nicate& 2 .$sel% hithe$t "+ the inst$.mentalit+ % messen/e$s3it #as as i% 2 . m c(e& me3/i!e 2 .$sel% "+ 2 .$sel% n #1 S metimes #hen 2 . !isite& me 2 . /a!e me the 0ea$l % 2 .$ 0 ssessi n' an&' #hen I "e/an t e5amine it' l ' it #as / ne' % $ 2 . ha& hi&&en it 2 .$sel%? it #as li(e a m c(e$+1 Gi!e me then 2 .$sel% in t$.th' 2 .$ #h le sel%' that I ma+ ha!e 2 . #h ll+ t m+sel% #h ll+' an& sen& me n messen/e$s a/ain18Who annot tell me what I wish.9 D1 ,I #ish % $ 2 . #h ll+' an& 2 .$ messen/e$s neithe$ (n # 2 . #h ll+' n $ can the+ s0ea( % 2 . #h ll+' % $ the$e is n thin/ in ea$th $ hea!en that can %.$nish that (n #le&/e t the s .l #hich it l n/s % $1 The+ cann t tell me' the$e% $e' #hat I #ish1 Instea&' then' % these messen/e$s' "e 2 . the messen/e$ an& the messa/e1-
1B
1A
*B
*A
STANZA VII
A All they who serve are telling me Of Your unnumbered gra es! And all wound me more and more, And something leaves me dying, I know not what, of whi h they are darkly s"eaking. THE s .l &esc$i"es itsel% in the % $e/ in/ stan4a as # .n&e&' $ sic( #ith l !e % the B$i&e/$ m' "eca.se % the (n #le&/e % Him #hich the i$$ati nal c$eati n s.00lies' an& in the 0$esent' as # .n&e& #ith l !e "eca.se % the the$ an& hi/he$ (n #le&/e #hich it &e$i!es %$ m the $ati nal c$eati n' n "le$ than the % $me$9 that is' an/els an& men1 This is n t all' % $ the s .l sa+s als that it is &+in/ % l !e' "eca.se % that ma$!el .s immensit+ n t #h ll+ ".t 0a$tiall+ $e!eale& t it th$ ./h the $ati nal c$eati n1 This it calls ,I (n # n t #hat'- "eca.se it cann t "e &esc$i"e&' an& "eca.se it is s.ch that the s .l &ies % it1 *1 It seems' %$ m this' that the$e a$e th$ee (in&s % 0ain in the s .lLs l !e % the Bel !e&' c $$es0 n&in/ t the th$ee (in&s % (n #le&/e that can "e ha& % Him1 The %i$st is calle& a # .n&9 n t &ee0' ".t sli/ht' li(e a # .n& #hich heals 7.ic(l+' "eca.se it c mes %$ m its (n #le&/e % the c$eat.$es' #hich a$e the l #est # $(s % G &1 This # .n&in/ % the s .l' calle& als sic(ness' is th.s s0 (en % "+ the "$i&e in the Canticle? ,I a&C.$e + .' O &a./hte$s % Je$.salem' i% + . %in& m+ Bel !e&' that + . tell Him that I lan/.ish #ith l !e1-DB The &a./hte$s % Je$.salem a$e the c$eat.$es1 61 The sec n& is calle& a s $e #hich ente$s &ee0e$ than a # .n& int the s .l' an& is' the$e% $e' % l n/e$ c ntin.ance' "eca.se it is as a # .n& %este$in/' n acc .nt % #hich the s .l %eels that it is $eall+ &+in/ % l !e1 This s $e is the e%%ect % the (n #le&/e % the # $(s % G &' the inca$nati n % the ) $&' an& the m+ste$ies % the %aith1 These "ein/ the /$eatest # $(s % G &' an& in! l!in/ a /$eate$ l !e than th se % c$eati n' 0$ &.ce a /$eate$ e%%ect % l !e in the s .l1 I% the %i$st (in& % 0ain is as a # .n&' this m.st "e li(e a %este$in/' c ntin. .s s $e1 O% this s0ea(s the B$i&e/$ m' a&&$essin/ Himsel% t the "$i&e' sa+in/? ,2 . ha!e # .n&e& M+ hea$t' M+ siste$' M+ "$i&e9 + . ha!e # .n&e& M+ hea$t #ith ne % + .$ e+es' an& #ith ne hai$ % + .$ nec(1- D1 The e+e si/ni%ies %aith in the inca$nati n % the B$i&e/$ m' an& the ne hai$ is the l !e % the same1 :1 The thi$& (in& % 0ain is li(e &+in/9 it is as i% the #h le s .l #e$e %este$in/ "eca.se % its # .n&1 It is &+in/ a li!in/ &eath .ntil l !e' ha!in/ slain it' shall ma(e it li!e the li%e % l !e' t$ans% $min/ it in l !e1 This &+in/ % l !e is a%%ecte& "+ a sin/le t .ch % the (n #le&/e % the Di!init+9 it is the ,I (n # n t #hat'- % #hich the c$eat.$es' as in the stan4a is sai&' a$e s0ea(in/ in&istinctl+1 This t .ch is n t c ntin. .s n $ /$eat'3% $ then s .l an& " &+ # .l& 0a$t3".t s n !e$' an& th.s the s .l is &+in/ % l !e' an& &+in/ the m $e #hen it sees that it cann t &ie % l !e1 D* This is calle& im0atient l !e'
DB Cant1 A?> D1 Cant1 :?G D* See KLi!in/ Flame'L stan4a 6' line 6' sect1 *B1
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
#hich is s0 (en % in the " ( % Genesis' #he$e the Sc$i0t.$e sa+s that RachelLs l !e % chil&$en #as s /$eat that she sai& t Jac " he$ h.s"an&' ,Gi!e me chil&$en' the$#ise I shall &ie1-D6 An& the 0$ 0het J " sai&' ,)h #ill /$ant that 1 1 1 He that has "e/.n the same # .l& c.t me %%1-D: A A1 These t# J% l& 0ains % l !e3that is' the # .n& an& the &+in/3a$e in the stan4a sai& t "e me$el+ the $ati nal c$eati n1 The # .n&' #hen it s0ea(s % the .nn.m"e$e& /$aces % the Bel !e& in the m+ste$ies an& #is& m % G & ta./ht "+ the %aith1 The &+in/' #hen it is sai& that the $ati nal c$eati n s0ea(s in&istinctl+1 This is a sense an& (n #le&/e % the Di!init+ s metimes $e!eale& #hen the s .l hea$s G & s0 (en %1 The$e% $e it sa+s? 8All they who serve.9 1A @1 That is' the $ati nal c$eati n' an/els an& men9 % $ these al ne a$e the+ #h se$!e G &' .n&e$stan&in/ "+ that # $& intelli/ent se$!ice9 that is t sa+' all the+ #h se$!e G &1 S me se$!e Him "+ c ntem0lati n an& %$.iti n in hea!en3these a$e the an/els9 the$s "+ l !in/ an& l n/in/ % $ Him n ea$th3these a$e men1 An& "eca.se the s .l lea$ns t (n # G & m $e &istinctl+ th$ ./h the $ati nal c$eati n' #hethe$ "+ c nsi&e$in/ its s.0e$i $it+ !e$ the $est % c$eati n' $ "+ #hat it teaches .s % G &3the an/els inte$i $l+ "+ sec$et ins0i$ati ns' an& men e5te$i $l+ "+ the t$.ths % Sc$i0t.$e3it sa+s? 8#elling me of Your unnumbered gra es.9 *A D1 That is' the+ s0ea( % the # n&e$s % 2 .$ /$ace an& me$c+ in the Inca$nati n' an& in the t$.ths % the %aith #hich the+ sh # % $th an& a$e e!e$ tellin/ m $e &istinctl+9 % $ the m $e the+ sa+' the m $e & the+ $e!eal 2 .$ /$aces1 8And all wound me more and more.9 6B >1 The m $e the an/els ins0i$e me' the m $e men teach me' the m $e & I l !e 2 .9 an& th.s all # .n& me m $e an& m $e #ith l !e1 6A 8And something leaves me dying, I know not what, of whi h they are darkly s"eaking.9 G1 It is as i% it sai&? ,B.t "esi&e the # .n& #hich the c$eat.$es in%lict #hen the+ tell me % 2 .$ .nn.m"e$e& /$aces' the$e is +et s methin/ #hich $emains t "e t l&' ne thin/ .n(n #n t "e .tte$e&' a m st clea$ t$ace % the % tste0s % G & $e!eale& t the s .l' #hich it sh .l& % ll #' a m st 0$ % .n& (n #le&/e % G &' #hich is ine%%a"le' an& the$e% $e s0 (en % as KI (n # n t #hat1L- I% that #hich I c m0$ehen& in%licts the # .n& an& %este$in/ s $e % l !e' that #hich I cann t c m0$ehen& ".t +et %eel 0$ % .n&l+' (ills me1 1B1 This ha00ens ccasi nall+ t s .ls a&!ance&' #h m G & %a! $s in #hat the+ hea$' $ see' $ .n&e$stan&3an& s metimes #ith .t these $ the$ means3#ith a ce$tain
D6 Gen1 6B?1 D: J " @?>'G
1B
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:B
:A
1B
1A
0$ % .n& (n #le&/e' in #hich the+ %eel $ a00$ehen& the /$eatness an& maCest+ % G &1 In this state the+ thin( s hi/hl+ % G & as t see clea$l+ that the+ (n # Him n t' an& in thei$ 0e$ce0ti n % His /$eatness the+ $ec /ni4e that n t t c m0$ehen& Him is the hi/hest c m0$ehensi n1 An& th.s' ne % the /$eatest %a! $s % G &' "est #e& t$ansientl+ n the s .l in this li%e' is t ena"le it t see s &istinctl+' an& t %eel s 0$ % .n&l+' that it clea$l+ .n&e$stan&s it cann t c m0$ehen& Him at all1 These s .ls a$e he$ein' in s me &e/$ee' li(e the saints in hea!en' #he$e the+ #h (n # Him m st 0e$%ectl+ 0e$cei!e m st clea$l+ that He is in%initel+ inc m0$ehensi"le' % $ th se #h ha!e the less clea$ !isi n' & n t 0e$cei!e s &istinctl+ as the the$s' h # /$eatl+ He t$anscen&s thei$ !isi n1 This is clea$ t n ne #h ha!e n t ha& e50e$ience % it1 B.t the e50e$ience& s .l' c m0$ehen&in/ that the$e is s methin/ %.$the$ % #hich it is 0$ % .n&l+ sensi"le' calls it' ,I (n # n t #hat1- As that cann t "e .n&e$st &' s neithe$ can it "e &esc$i"e&' th ./h it is %elt' as I ha!e sai&1 Hence the s .l sa+s that the c$eat.$es s0ea( in&istinctl+' "eca.se the+ cann t &istinctl+ .tte$ that #hich the+ # .l& sa+? it is the s0eech % in%ants' #h cann t e50lain &istinctl+ $ s0ea( intelli/i"l+ that #hich the+ # .l& c n!e+ t the$s1 111 The the$ c$eat.$es' als ' a$e in s me meas.$e a $e!elati n t the s .l in this #a+' ".t n t % an $&e$ s hi/h' #hene!e$ it is the / & 0leas.$e % G & t mani%est t it thei$ s0i$it.al sense an& si/ni%icance9 the+ a$e seemin/l+ n the 0 int % ma(in/ .s .n&e$stan& the 0e$%ecti ns % G &' an& cann t c m0ass it9 it is as i% ne #e$e a" .t t e50lain a matte$ an& the e50lanati n is n t /i!en9 an& th.s the+ stamme$ ,I (n # n t #hat1- The s .l c ntin.es t c m0lain' an& a&&$esses its #n li%e' sa+in/' in the stan4a that % ll #s?
*B
STANZA VIII
A But how you "ersevere, O life( +ot living where you live! #he arrows bring death Whi h you re eive ,rom your on e"tions of the Beloved. THE s .l' 0e$cei!in/ itsel% t "e &+in/ % l !e' as it has C.st sai&' an& +et n t &+in/ s as t ha!e the %$ee enC +ment % its l !e' c m0lains % the c ntin.ance % its " &il+ li%e' "+ #hich the s0i$it.al li%e is &ela+e&1 He$e the s .l a&&$esses itsel% t the li%e it is li!in/ .0 n ea$th' ma/ni%+in/ the s $$ #s % it1 The meanin/ % the stan4a the$e% $e is as % ll #s? ,O li%e % m+ s .l' h # can + . 0e$se!e$e in this li%e % the %lesh' seein/ that it is + .$ &eath an& the 0$i!ati n % the t$.e s0i$it.al li%e in G &' in )h m + . li!e in s."stance' l !e' an& &esi$e' m $e t$.l+ than in the " &+8 An& i% this #e$e n t $eas n en ./h t &e0a$t' an& %$ee + .$sel% %$ m the " &+ % this &eath' s as t li!e an& enC + the li%e % G &' h # can + . still $emain in a " &+ s %$ail8 Besi&es' these # .n&s % l !e ma&e "+ the Bel !e& in the $e!elati n % His maCest+ a$e "+ themsel!es al ne s.%%icient t 0.t an en& t + .$ li%e' % $ the+ a$e !e$+ &ee09 an& th.s all + .$ %eelin/s t #a$&s Him' an& all + . (n # % Him' a$e s man+ t .ches an& # .n&s % l !e that (ill' 8But how you "ersevere, O life( +ot living where you live.9 *1 )e m.st (ee0 in min&' % $ the "ette$ .n&e$stan&in/ % this' that the s .l li!es the$e #he$e it l !es' $athe$ than in the " &+ #hich it animates1 The s .l & es n t li!e "+ the " &+' ".t' n the c nt$a$+' /i!es it li%e' an& li!es "+ l !e in that #hich it l !es1 F $ "esi&e this li%e % l !e #hich it li!es in G & )h l !es it' the s .l has its $a&ical an& nat.$al li%e in G &' li(e all c$eate& thin/s' acc $&in/ t the sa+in/ % St1 Pa.l? ,In Him #e li!e' an& m !e' an& a$e9-DA that is' .$ li%e' m ti n' an& "ein/ is in G &1 St1 J hn als sa+s that all that #as ma&e #as li%e in G &? ,That #hich #as ma&e' in Him #as li%e1-D@ 61 )hen the s .l sees that its nat.$al li%e is in G & th$ ./h the "ein/ He has /i!en it' an& its s0i$it.al li%e als "eca.se % the l !e it "ea$s Him' it "$ea(s % $th int lamentati ns' c m0lainin/ that s %$ail a li%e in a m $tal " &+ sh .l& ha!e the 0 #e$ t hin&e$ it %$ m the %$.iti n % the t$.e' $eal' an& &elici .s li%e' #hich it li!es in G & "+ nat.$e an& "+ l !e1 Ea$nestl+' the$e% $e' & es the s .l insist .0 n this? it tells .s that it s.%%e$s "et#een t# c nt$a&icti ns3its nat.$al li%e in the " &+' an& its s0i$it.al li%e in G &9 c nt$a$+ the ne t the the$' "eca.se % thei$ m.t.al $e0./nance1 The s .l li!in/ this & ."le li%e is % necessit+ in /$eat 0ain9 % $ the 0ain%.l li%e hin&e$s the &elici .s' s that the nat.$al li%e is as &eath' seein/ that it &e0$i!es the s .l % its s0i$it.al li%e' #he$ein is its #h le "ein/ an& li%e "+ nat.$e' an& all its 0e$ati ns an& %eelin/s "+ l !e1
DA Acts 1D?*> D@ J hn 1?61 The Saint a& 0ts an l& 0.nct.ati n' &i%%e$ent %$ m the .s.al ne1 He $ea&s th.s? KOmnia 0e$ I0s.m %acta s.nt' et sine I0s %act.m est nihil? N. & %act.m est' in I0s !ita e$atL OKAll thin/s #e$e ma&e "+ Him' an& #ith .t Him n thin/ #as ma&e? )hat #as ma&e in Him #as li%eLP1
1B
1A
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*A
6B
6A
:B
The s .l' the$e% $e' t &e0ict m $e !i!i&l+ the ha$&shi0s % this %$a/ile li%e' sa+s? 8#he arrows bring death whi h you re eive.9 A :1 That is t sa+? ,Besi&es' h # can + . c ntin.e in the " &+' seein/ that the t .ches % l !e3these a$e the a$$ #s3#ith #hich the Bel !e& 0ie$ces + .$ hea$t' a$e al ne s.%%icient t &e0$i!e + . % li%e8- These t .ches % l !e ma(e the s .l an& hea$t s %$.it%.l % the (n #le&/e an& l !e % G &' that the+ ma+ #ell "e calle& c nce0ti ns % G &' as in the # $&s that % ll #? 8,rom your on e"tions of the Beloved.9 A1 That is' % the maCest+' "ea.t+' #is& m' /$ace' an& 0 #e$' #hich + . (n # t "e His1 1A NOTE AS the ha$t # .n&e& #ith a 0 is ne& a$$ # cann t "e eas+ an& at $est' ".t see(s $elie% n all si&es' 0l.n/in/ int the #ate$s he$e an& a/ain the$e' #hile the 0 is n s0$ea&s n t#ithstan&in/ all attem0ts at $elie%' till it $eaches the hea$t' an& ccasi ns &eath9 s the s .l' 0ie$ce& "+ the a$$ # % l !e' ne!e$ ceases %$ m see(in/ t alle!iate its 0ains1 N t nl+ & es it n t s.ccee&' ".t its 0ains inc$ease' let it thin(' an& sa+' an& & #hat it ma+9 an& (n #in/ this' an& that the$e is n the$ $eme&+ ".t the $esi/nati n % itsel% int the han&s % Him )h # .n&e& it' that He ma+ $elie!e it' an& e%%ect.all+ sla+ it th$ ./h the !i lence % its l !e9 it t.$ns t #a$&s the B$i&e/$ m' )h is the ca.se % all' an& sa+s?
1B
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*A
STANZA IX
A Why, after wounding #his heart, have You not healed it? And why, after stealing it, Have You thus abandoned it, And not arried away the stolen "rey? HERE the s .l $et.$ns t the Bel !e&' still c m0lainin/ % its 0ain9 % $ that im0atient l !e #hich the s .l n # e5hi"its a&mits % n $est $ cessati n %$ m 0ain9 s it sets % $th its /$ie%s in all manne$ % #a+s .ntil it %in&s $elie%1 The s .l seein/ itsel% # .n&e& an& l nel+' an& as n ne can heal it ".t the Bel !e& )h has # .n&e& it' as(s #h+ He' ha!in/ # .n&e& its hea$t #ith that l !e #hich the (n #le&/e % Him "$in/s' & es n t heal it in the !isi n % His 0$esence9 an& #h+ He th.s a"an& ns the hea$t #hich He has st len th$ ./h the l !e )hich in%lames it' a%te$ ha!in/ &e0$i!e& the s .l % all 0 #e$ !e$ it1 The s .l has n # n 0 #e$ !e$ its hea$t3% $ he #h l !es has n ne3"eca.se it is s.$$en&e$e& t the Bel !e&' an& +et He has n t ta(en it t Himsel% in the 0.$e an& 0e$%ect t$ans% $mati n % l !e in /l $+1 8Why, after wounding this heart, have You not healed it?9 *A *1 The enam $e& s .l is c m0lainin/ n t "eca.se it is # .n&e&' % $ the &ee0e$ the # .n& the /$eate$ the C +' ".t "eca.se' "ein/ # .n&e&' it is n t heale& "+ "ein/ # .n&e& t &eath1 The # .n&s % l !e a$e s &elici .sl+ s#eet' that i% the+ & n t (ill' the+ cann t satis%+ the s .l1 The+ a$e s s#eet that it &esi$es t &ie % them' an& hence it is that it sa+s' ,)h+' a%te$ # .n&in/ this hea$t' ha!e 2 . n t heale& it8- That is' ,)h+ ha!e 2 . st$.c( it s sha$0l+ as t # .n& it s &ee0l+' an& +et n t heale& it "+ (illin/ it .tte$l+ #ith l !e8 As 2 . a$e the ca.se % its 0ain in the a%%licti n % l !e' "e 2 . als the ca.se % its health "+ a &eath %$ m l !e9 s the hea$t' # .n&e& "+ the 0ain % 2 .$ a"sence' shall "e heale& in the &eli/ht an& /l $+ % 2 .$ S#eet 0$esence1- The$e% $e it / es n? 8And why, after stealing it, have You thus abandoned it?9 61 Stealin/ is n thin/ else ".t the act % a $ ""e$ in &is0 ssessin/ the #ne$ % his / &s' an& 0 ssessin/ them himsel%1 He$e the s .l c m0lains t the Bel !e& that He has $ ""e& it % its hea$t l !in/l+' an& ta(en it .t % its 0 #e$ an& 0 ssessi n' an& then a"an& ne& it' #ith .t ta(in/ it int His #n 0 #e$ an& 0 ssessi n as the thie% & es #ith the / &s he steals' ca$$+in/ them a#a+ #ith him1 He #h is in l !e is sai& t ha!e l st his hea$t' $ t ha!e it st len "+ the "Cect % his l !e9 "eca.se it is n l n/e$ in his #n 0 ssessi n' ".t in the 0 #e$ % the "Cect % his l !e' an& s his hea$t is n t his #n' ".t the 0$ 0e$t+ % the 0e$s n he l !es1 :1 This c nsi&e$ati n #ill ena"le the s .l t &ete$mine #hethe$ it l !es G & sim0l+ $ n t1 I% it l !es Him it #ill ha!e n hea$t % $ itsel%' n $ % $ its #n 0leas.$e $ 0$ %it' ".t
1B
1A
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6B
6A
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:A
1B
% $ the h n $' /l $+' an& 0leas.$e % G &9 "eca.se the m $e the hea$t is cc.0ie& #ith sel%' the less is it cc.0ie& #ith G &1 )hethe$ G & has $eall+ st len the hea$t' the s .l ma+ asce$tain "+ eithe$ % these t# si/ns? Is it an5i .sl+ see(in/ a%te$ G &8 an& has it n 0leas.$e in an+thin/ ".t in Him' as the s .l he$e sa+s8 The $eas n % this is that the hea$t cann t $est in 0eace #ith .t the 0 ssessi n % s methin/9 an& #hen its a%%ecti ns a$e nce 0lace&' it has neithe$ the 0 ssessi n % itsel% n $ % an+thin/ else9 neithe$ & es it 0e$%ectl+ 0 ssess #hat it l !es1 In this state its #ea$iness is in 0$ 0 $ti n t its l ss' .ntil it shall ente$ int 0 ssessi n an& "e satis%ie&9 % $ .ntil then the s .l is as an em0t+ !essel #aitin/ t "e %ille&' as a h.n/$+ man ea/e$ % $ % &' as a sic( man si/hin/ % $ health' an& as a man s.s0en&e& in the ai$1 8And not arried away the stolen "rey?9
1A
A1 ,)h+ & 2 . n t ca$$+ a#a+ the hea$t #hich 2 .$ l !e has st len' t %ill it' t heal it' an& t satiate it /i!in/ it 0e$%ect $est in 2 .$sel%8@1 The l !in/ s .l' % $ the sa(e % /$eate$ c n% $mit+ #ith the Bel !e&' cann t cease t &esi$e the $ec m0ense an& $e#a$& % its l !e % $ the sa(e % #hich it se$!es the Bel !e&' the$#ise it c .l& n t "e t$.e l !e' % $ the $ec m0ense % l !e is n thin/ else' an& the s .l see(s n thin/ else' ".t /$eate$ l !e' .ntil it $eaches the 0e$%ecti n % l !e9 % $ the s le $e#a$& % l !e is l !e' as #e lea$n %$ m the 0$ 0het J "' #h ' s0ea(in/ % his #n &ist$ess' #hich is that % the s .l n # $e%e$$e& t ' sa+s? ,As a se$!ant l n/s % $ the sha&e' as the hi$elin/ l (s % $ the en& % his # $(9 s I als ha!e ha& em0t+ m nths' an& ha!e n.m"e$e& t m+sel% #ea$is me ni/hts1 I% I slee0' I sa+' )hen shall I a$ise8 an& a/ain' I shall l ( % $ the e!enin/' an& shall "e %ille& #ith s $$ #s e!en till &a$(ness1-DD D1 Th.s' then' the s .l n %i$e #ith the l !e % G & l n/s % $ the 0e$%ecti n an& c ns.mmati n % its l !e' that it ma+ "e c m0letel+ $e%$eshe&1 As the se$!ant #ea$ie& "+ the heat % the &a+ l n/s % $ the c lin/ sha&e' an& as the hi$elin/ l (s % $ the en& % his # $(' s the s .l % $ the en& % its #n1 O"se$!e' J " & es n t sa+ that the hi$elin/ l (s % $ the en& % his la" $' ".t nl+ % $ the en& % his # $(1 He teaches .s that the s .l #hich l !es l (s n t % $ the en& % its la" $' ".t % $ the en& % its # $(9 "eca.se its # $( is t l !e' an& it is the en& % this # $(' #hich is l !e' that it h 0es % $' namel+' the 0e$%ect l !e % G &1 Until it attains t this' the # $&s % J " #ill "e al#a+s t$.e % it3its m nths #ill "e em0t+' an& its ni/hts #ea$is me an& te&i .s1 It is clea$' then' that the s .l #hich l !es G & see(s an& l (s % $ n the$ $e#a$& % its se$!ices than t l !e G & 0e$%ectl+1 NOTE
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B THE s .l' ha!in/ $eache& this &e/$ee % l !e' $esem"les a sic( man e5cee&in/l+ #ea$ie&' #h se a00etite is / ne' an& t #h m his % & is l aths me' an& all thin/s ann +ance an& t$ ."le1 Ami&st all thin/s that 0$esent themsel!es t his th ./hts' $ %eelin/s' $ si/ht' his nl+ #ish an& &esi$e is health9 an& e!e$+thin/ that & es n t c nt$i".te t it is #ea$iness an& 00$essi!e1 The s .l' the$e% $e' in 0ain "eca.se % its l !e % G &' has th$ee 0ec.lia$ities1 Un&e$ all ci$c.mstances' an& in all a%%ai$s' the th ./ht % its health3that is' the Bel !e&3is e!e$ 0$esent t it9 an& th ./h it is "li/e&
DD J " D?*J:
:A
t atten& t them "eca.se it cann t hel0 it' its hea$t is e!e$ #ith Him1 The sec n& 0ec.lia$it+' namel+' a l ss % 0leas.$e in e!e$+thin/' a$ises %$ m the %i$st1 The thi$& als ' a c nse7.ence % the sec n&' is that all thin/s "ec me #ea$is me' an& all a%%ai$s %.ll % !e5ati n an& ann +ance1 A *1 The $eas n is that the 0alate % the #ill ha!in/ t .che& an& taste& % the % & % the l !e % G &' the #ill instantl+' .n&e$ all ci$c.mstances' $e/a$&less % e!e$+ the$ c nsi&e$ati n' see(s the %$.iti n % the Bel !e&1 It is #ith the s .l n # as it #as #ith Ma$+ Ma/&alene' #hen in he$ ".$nin/ l !e she s ./ht Him in the /a$&en1 She' thin(in/ Him t "e the /a$&ene$' s0 (e t Him #ith .t %.$the$ $e%lecti n' sa+in/? ,I% + . ha!e ta(en Him hence' tell me #he$e + . ha!e lai& Him' an& I #ill ta(e Him a#a+1- D> The s .l is .n&e$ the in%l.ence % a li(e an5iet+ t %in& Him in all thin/s' an& n t %in&in/ Him imme&iatel+' as it &esi$es3".t $athe$ the !e$+ $e!e$se3n t nl+ has n 0leas.$e in them' ".t is e!en t $mente& "+ them' an& s metimes e5cee&in/l+ s ? % $ s.ch s .ls s.%%e$ /$eatl+ in thei$ inte$c .$se #ith men an& in the t$ansacti ns % the # $l&' "eca.se these thin/s hin&e$ $athe$ than hel0 them in thei$ sea$ch1 61 The "$i&e in the Canticle sh #s .s that she ha& these th$ee 0ec.lia$ities #hen see(in/ the B$i&e/$ m1 ,I s ./ht Him an& % .n& Him n t9 the (ee0e$s that / a" .t the cit+ % .n& me' the+ st$.c( me an& # .n&e& me? the (ee0e$s % the #alls t ( a#a+ m+ cl a(1-DG The (ee0e$s that / a" .t the cit+ a$e the a%%ai$s % this # $l&' #hich' #hen the+ ,%in&- a s .l see(in/ a%te$ G &' in%lict .0 n it m.ch 0ain' an& /$ie%' an& l athin/9 % $ the s .l n t nl+ & es n t %in& in them #hat it see(s' ".t $athe$ a hin&$ance1 The+ #h (ee0 the #all % c ntem0lati n' that the s .l ma+ n t ente$3that is' e!il s0i$its an& # $l&l+ a%%ai$s3ta(e a#a+ the cl a( % 0eace an& the 7.iet % l !in/ c ntem0lati n1 All this in%licts in%inite !e5ati n n the s .l enam $e& % G &9 an& #hile it $emains n ea$th #ith .t the !isi n % G &' the$e is n $elie%' /$eat $ small' %$ m these a%%licti ns' an& the s .l the$e% $e c ntin.es t c m0lain t the Bel !e&' sa+in/?
1B
1A
*B
*A
D> J hn *B?1A DG Cant1 @?@'D
STANZA X
A -uen h my troubles, ,or no one else an soothe them! And let my eyes behold You, ,or You are their light, And I will kee" them for You alone. HERE the s .l c ntin.es t "eseech the Bel !e& t 0.t an en& t its an5ieties an& &ist$ess3n ne the$ than He can & s 3an& that in s.ch a #a+ that its e+es ma+ "eh l& Him9 % $ He al ne is the li/ht "+ #hich the+ see' an& the$e is n ne the$ ".t He n #h m it #ill l (1 8-uen h my troubles.9 *1 The &esi$e % l !e has this 0$ 0e$t+' that e!e$+thin/ sai& $ & ne #hich & es n t "ec me that #hich the #ill l !es' #ea$ies an& ann +s it' an& ma(es it 0ee!ish #hen it sees itsel% &isa00 inte& in its &esi$es1 This an& its #ea$+ l n/in/ a%te$ the !isi n % G & is he$e calle& ,t$ ."les1- These t$ ."les n thin/ can $em !e e5ce0t the 0 ssessi n % the Bel !e&9 hence the s .l 0$a+s Him t 7.ench them #ith His 0$esence' t c l thei$ %e!e$ishness' as the c lin/ #ate$ him #h is #ea$ie& "+ the heat1 The s .l ma(es .se % the e50$essi n ,7.ench'- t &en te its s.%%e$in/s %$ m the %i$e % l !e1 8,or no one else an soothe them.9 61 The s .l' in $&e$ t m !e an& 0e$s.a&e the Bel !e& t /$ant its 0etiti n' sa+s' ,As n ne the$ ".t 2 . can satis%+ m+ nee&s' 2 . 7.ench m+ t$ ."les1- Remem"e$ he$e that G & is then cl se at han&' t c m% $t the s .l an& t satis%+ its #ants' #hen it has an& see(s n satis%acti n $ c m% $t .t % Him1 The s .l that %in&s n 0leas.$e .t % G & cann t "e l n/ .n!isite& "+ the Bel !e&1 8And let my eyes behold You.9 6A :1 Let me see 2 . %ace t %ace #ith the e+es % the s .l' 8,or you are their light.9 :B A1 G & is the s.0e$nat.$al li/ht % the s .l' #ith .t #hich it a"i&es in &a$(ness1 An& n #' in the e5cess % its a%%ecti n' it calls Him the li/ht % its e+es' as an ea$thl+ l !e$' t e50$ess his a%%ecti n' calls the "Cect % his l !e the li/ht % his e+es1 The s .l sa+s in e%%ect in the % $e/ in/ te$ms' ,Since m+ e+es ha!e n the$ li/ht' eithe$ % nat.$e $ % l !e' ".t 2 .' let them "eh l& 2 .' )h in e!e$+ #a+ a$e thei$ li/ht1- Da!i& #as $e/$ettin/ this li/ht #hen he sai& in his t$ ."le' ,The li/ht % m+ e+es' an& the same is n t #ith me9->B an& T "it' #hen he sai&' ,)hat manne$ % C + shall "e t me #h sit in &a$(ness' an& see n t the li/ht % hea!en8- >1 He #as l n/in/ % $ the clea$ !isi n % G &9
>B Ps1 6D?11 >1 T "1 A?1*
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
:A
% $ the li/ht % hea!en is the S n % G &9 as St1 J hn sa+s in the Re!elati n? ,An& the cit+ nee&s n t s.n' n $ m n t shine in it9 % $ the /l $+ % G & has ill.minate& it' an& the Lam" is the lam0 the$e %1->* A 8And I will kee" them for You alone.9 @1 The s .l see(s t c nst$ain the B$i&e/$ m t let it see the li/ht % its e+es' n t nl+ "eca.se it # .l& "e in &a$(ness #ith .t it' ".t als "eca.se it #ill n t l ( .0 n an+thin/ ".t n Him1 F $ as that s .l is C.stl+ &e0$i!e& % this &i!ine li/ht i% it %i5es the e+es % the #ill n an+ the$ li/ht' 0$ cee&in/ %$ m an+thin/ that is n t G &' % $ then its !isi n is c n%ine& t that "Cect9 s als the s .l' "+ a ce$tain %itness' &ese$!es the &i!ine li/ht' i% it sh.ts its e+es a/ainst all "Cects #hate!e$' t 0en them nl+ % $ the !isi n % G &1 NOTE BUT the l !in/ B$i&e/$ m % s .ls cann t "ea$ t see them s.%%e$ l n/ in the is lati n % #hich I am s0ea(in/' % $' as He sa+s "+ the m .th % Facha$iah' ,He that shall t .ch + .' t .ches the a00le % M+ e+e9->6 es0eciall+ #hen thei$ s.%%e$in/s' as th se % this s .l' 0$ cee& %$ m thei$ l !e % $ Him1 The$e% $e & es He s0ea( th$ ./h Isaiah' ,It shall "e "e% $e the+ call' I #ill hea$9 as the+ a$e +et s0ea(in/' I #ill hea$1- >: An& the #ise man sa+s that the s .l that see(s Him as t$eas.$e shall %in& Him1 >A G & /$ants a ce$tain s0i$it.al 0$esence % Himsel% t the %e$!ent 0$a+e$s % the l !in/ s .l #hich see(s Him m $e ea$nestl+ than t$eas.$e' seein/ that it has a"an& ne& all thin/s' an& e!en itsel%' % $ His sa(e1 *1 In that 0$esence He sh #s ce$tain 0$ % .n& /lim0ses % His &i!init+ an& "ea.t+' #he$e"+ He still inc$eases the s .lLs an5i .s &esi$e t "eh l& Him1 F $ as men th$ # #ate$ n the c als % the % $/e t ca.se intense$ heat' s .$ L $& in His &ealin/s #ith ce$tain s .ls' in the inte$missi n % thei$ l !e' ma(es s me $e!elati ns % His maCest+' t 7.ic(en thei$ %e$! $' an& t 0$e0a$e them m $e an& m $e % $ th se /$aces #hich He #ill /i!e them a%te$#a$&s1 Th.s the s .l' in that "sc.$e 0$esence % G &' "eh l&in/ an& %eelin/ the s.0$eme / & an& "ea.t+ hi&&en the$e' is &+in/ in &esi$e % the !isi n' sa+in/ in the stan4a that % ll #s?
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
>* Re!1 *1?*6 >6 Fech1 *?> >: Isa1 @A?*: >A P$ !1 *?:'A
STANZA XI
A .eveal Your "resen e, And let the vision and Your beauty kill me. Behold the malady Of love is in urable &/ e"t in Your "resen e and before Your fa e. THE s .l' an5i .s t "e 0 ssesse& "+ G &' )h is s /$eat' )h se l !e has # .n&e& an& st len its hea$t' an& .na"le t s.%%e$ m $e' "eseeches Him &i$ectl+' in this stan4a' t $e!eal His "ea.t+3that is' the &i!ine Essence3an& t sla+ it in that !isi n' se0a$atin/ it %$ m the " &+' in #hich it can neithe$ see n $ 0 ssess Him as it &esi$es1 An& %.$the$' settin/ "e% $e Him the &ist$ess an& s $$ # % hea$t' in #hich it c ntin.es' s.%%e$in/ it "eca.se % its l !e' an& .na"le t %in& an+ the$ $eme&+ than the /l $i .s !isi n % the &i!ine essence' c$ies .t? ,Re!eal 2 .$ 0$esence1*1 T .n&e$stan& this clea$l+ #e m.st $emem"e$ that the$e a$e th$ee #a+s in #hich G & is 0$esent in the s .l1 The %i$st is His 0$esence in essence' n t in h l+ s .ls nl+' ".t in #$etche& an& sin%.l s .ls as #ell' an& als in all c$eate& thin/s9 % $ it is "+ this 0$esence that He /i!es li%e an& "ein/' an& #e$e it nce #ith&$a#n all thin/s # .l& $et.$n t n thin/1>@ This 0$esence ne!e$ %ails in the s .l1 61 The sec n& is His 0$esence "+ /$ace' #he$e"+ He &#ells in the s .l' 0lease& an& satis%ie& #ith it1 This 0$esence is n t in all s .ls9 % $ th se #h %all int m $tal sin l se it' an& n s .l can (n # in a nat.$al #a+ #hethe$ it has it $ n t1 The thi$& is His 0$esence "+ s0i$it.al a%%ecti n1 G & is # nt t sh # His 0$esence in man+ &e! .t s .ls in &i!e$se #a+s' in $e%$eshment' C +' an& /la&ness9 +et this' li(e the the$s' is all sec$et' % $ He & es n t sh # Himsel% as He is' "eca.se the c n&iti n % .$ m $tal li%e & es n t a&mit % it1 Th.s this 0$a+e$ % the s .l ma+ "e .n&e$st & % an+ ne % them1 8.eveal Your "resen e.9 6A :1 Inasm.ch as it is ce$tain that G & is e!e$ 0$esent in the s .l' at least in the %i$st #a+' the s .l & es n t sa+' ,Be 0$esent-9 ".t' ,Re!eal an& mani%est 2 .$ hi&&en 0$esence' #hethe$ nat.$al' s0i$it.al' $ a%%ecti!e' in s.ch a #a+ that I ma+ "eh l& 2 . in 2 .$ &i!ine essence an& "ea.t+1- The s .l 0$a+s Him that as He "+ His essential 0$esence /i!es it its nat.$al "ein/' an& 0e$%ects it "+ His 0$esence % /$ace' s als He # .l& /l $i%+ it "+ the mani%estati n % His /l $+1 B.t as the s .l is n # l !in/ G & #ith %e$!ent a%%ecti ns' the 0$esence' % $ the $e!elati n % #hich it 0$a+s the Bel !e& t mani%est' is t "e .n&e$st & chie%l+ % the a%%ecti!e 0$esence % the Bel !e&1 S.ch is the nat.$e % this 0$esence that the s .l %elt the$e #as an in%inite "ein/ hi&&en the$e' .t % #hich G & c mm.nicate& t it ce$tain "sc.$e !isi ns % His #n &i!ine "ea.t+1 S.ch #as the e%%ect % these !isi ns that the s .l l n/e& an& %ainte& a#a+ #ith the &esi$e % that #hich is hi&&en in that 0$esence1 A1 This is in ha$m n+ #ith the e50e$ience % Da!i&' #hen he sai&? ,M+ s .l l n/s an&
>@ See KAscent % M .nt Ca$mel'L "(1 *' ch1 A' sect1 61
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
:B
:A
%aints % $ the c .$ts % .$ L $&1- >D The s .l n # %aints #ith &esi$e % "ein/ a"s $"e& in the S !e$ei/n G & #hich it %eels t "e 0$esent an& hi&&en9 % $ th ./h it is hi&&en' the s .l is m st 0$ % .n&l+ c nsci .s % the / & an& &eli/ht #hich a$e the$e1 The s .l is the$e% $e att$acte& t this / & #ith m $e !i lence than matte$ is t its cente$' an& is .na"le t c ntain itsel%' "+ $eas n % the % $ce % this att$acti n' %$ m sa+in/? 8.eveal Your "resen e.9
1B
1A
*B
@1 M ses' n M .nt Sinai in the 0$esence % G &' sa# s.ch /lim0ses % the maCest+ an& "ea.t+ % His hi&&en Di!init+' that' .na"le t en&.$e it' he 0$a+e& t#ice % $ the !isi n % His /l $+ sa+in/? ,)he$eas 2 . ha!e sai&? I (n # + . "+ name' an& + . ha!e % .n& /$ace in m+ si/ht1 I%' the$e% $e' I ha!e % .n& /$ace in 2 .$ si/ht' sh # me 2 .$ %ace' that I ma+ (n # 2 . an& ma+ %in& /$ace "e% $e 2 .$ e+es9->> that is' the /$ace #hich he l n/e& % $3t attain t the 0e$%ect l !e % the /l $+ % G &1 The ans#e$ % .$ L $& #as? ,2 . can n t see M+ %ace' % $ man shall n t see Me an& li!e1- >G It is as i% G & ha& sai&? ,M ses' + .$ 0$a+e$ is &i%%ic.lt t /$ant9 the "ea.t+ % M+ %ace' an& the C + in seein/ Me is s /$eat' as t "e m $e than + .$ s .l can "ea$ in a m $tal " &+ that is s #ea(1- The s .l acc $&in/l+' c nsci .s % this t$.th' eithe$ "eca.se % the ans#e$ ma&e t M ses $ als "eca.se % that #hich I s0 (e % "e% $e' GB namel+' the %eelin/ that the$e is s methin/ still in the 0$esence % G & he$e #hich it c .l& n t see in its "ea.t+ in the li%e it is n # li!in/' "eca.se' as I sai& "e% $e'G1 it %aints #hen it sees ".t a /lim0se % it1 Hence it c mes that it antici0ates the ans#e$ that ma+ "e /i!en t it' as it #as t M ses' an& sa+s? 8$et the vision and Your beauty kill me.9 D1 That is' ,Since the !isi n % 2 . an& 2 .$ "ea.t+ is s %.ll % &eli/ht that I cann t en&.$e' ".t m.st &ie in the act % "eh l&in/ them' let the !isi n an& 2 .$ "ea.t+ (ill me1-
*A
6B >1 T# !isi ns a$e sai& t "e %atal t man' "eca.se he cann t "ea$ them an& li!e1 One' that % the "asilis(' at the si/ht % #hich men a$e sai& t &ie at nce1 The the$ is the !isi n % G &9 ".t the$e is a /$eat &i%%e$ence "et#een them1 The % $me$ (ills "+ 0 is n' the the$ #ith in%inite health an& "liss1 It is' the$e% $e' n thin/ st$an/e % $ the s .l t &esi$e t &ie "+ "eh l&in/ the "ea.t+ % G & in $&e$ t enC + Him % $ e!e$1 I% the s .l ha& ".t ne sin/le /lim0se % the maCest+ an& "ea.t+ % G &' n t nl+ # .l& it &esi$e t &ie nce in $&e$ t see Him % $ e!e$' as it &esi$es n #' ".t # .l& m st C +%.ll+ .n&e$/ a th .san& m st "itte$ &eaths t see Him e!en % $ a m ment' an& ha!in/ seen Him # .l& s.%%e$ as man+ &eaths a/ain t see Him % $ an the$ m ment1 G1 It is necessa$+ t "se$!e % $ the "ette$ e50lanati n % this line' that the s .l is n # s0ea(in/ c n&iti nall+' #hen it 0$a+s that the !isi n an& "ea.t+ ma+ sla+ it9 it ass.mes that the !isi n m.st "e 0$ece&e& "+ &eath' % $ i% it #e$e 0 ssi"le "e% $e &eath' the s .l # .l& n t 0$a+ % $ &eath' "eca.se the &esi$e % &eath is a nat.$al im0e$%ecti n1 The s .l'
>D Ps1 >6?6 >> E5 &1 66?1*'16 >G E5 &1 66?*B GB Stan1 !ii1 sect1 1B1 G1 A" !e' sect1 :1
6A
:B
the$e% $e' ta(es it % $ /$ante& that this c $$.0ti"le li%e cann t c e5ist #ith the inc $$.0ti"le li%e % G &' an& sa+s? 8$et the vision and Your beauty kill me.9 A 1B1 St1 Pa.l teaches this & ct$ine t the C $inthians #hen he sa+s? ,)e # .l& n t "e s0 ile&' ".t !e$cl the&' that that #hich is m $tal ma+ "e s#all #e& .0 % li%e'- G* That is' ,#e # .l& n t "e &i!este& % the %lesh' ".t in!este& #ith /l $+1- B.t $e%lectin/ that he c .l& n t li!e in /l $+ an& in a m $tal " &+ at the same time' he sa+s t the Phili00ians? ,ha!in/ a &esi$e t "e &iss l!e& an& t "e #ith Ch$ist1-G6 111 He$e a$ises this 7.esti n' )h+ &i& the 0e 0le % Is$ael % l& &$ea& an& a! i& the !isi n % G &' that the+ mi/ht n t &ie' as it a00ea$s the+ &i& %$ m the # $&s % Man ah t his #i%e' ,)e shall &ie "eca.se #e ha!e seen G &'- G: #hen the s .l &esi$es t &ie % that !isi n8 T this 7.esti n t# ans#e$s ma+ "e /i!en1 1*1 In th se &a+s men c .l& n t see G &' th ./h &+in/ in the state % /$ace' "eca.se Ch$ist ha& n t c me1 It #as the$e% $e m $e 0$ %ita"le % $ them t li!e in the %lesh' inc$easin/ in me$it' an& enC +in/ thei$ nat.$al li%e' than t "e in Lim" ' inca0a"le % me$itin/' s.%%e$in/ in the &a$(ness an& in the s0i$it.al a"sence % G &1 The+ the$e% $e c nsi&e$e& it a /$eat /$ace an& "lessin/ t li!e l n/ .0 n ea$th1 161 The sec n& ans#e$ is % .n&e& n c nsi&e$ati ns &$a#n %$ m the l !e % G &1 The+ in th se &a+s' n t "ein/ s c n%i$me& in l !e' n $ s nea$ t G & "+ l !e' #e$e a%$ai& % the !isi n? ".t' n #' .n&e$ the la# % /$ace' #hen' n the &eath % the " &+' the s .l ma+ "eh l& G &' it is m $e 0$ %ita"le t li!e ".t a sh $t time' an& then t &ie in $&e$ t see Him1 An& e!en i% the !isi n #e$e #ithhel&' the s .l that $eall+ l !es G & #ill n t "e a%$ai& t &ie at the si/ht % Him9 % $ t$.e l !e acce0ts #ith 0e$%ect $esi/nati n' an& in the same s0i$it' an& e!en #ith C +' #hate!e$ c mes t it %$ m the han&s % the Bel !e&' #hethe$ 0$ s0e$it+ $ a&!e$sit+3+es' an& e!en chastisements s.ch as He shall "e 0lease& t sen&' % $' as St1 J hn sa+s' ,0e$%ect cha$it+ casts .t %ea$1-GA 1:1 Th.s' then' the$e is n "itte$ness in &eath t the s .l that l !es' #hen it "$in/s #ith it all the s#eetness an& &eli/hts % l !e9 the$e is n sa&ness in the $emem"$ance % it #hen it 0ens the & $ t all C +9 n $ can it "e 0ain%.l an& 00$essi!e' #hen it is the en& % all .nha00iness an& s $$ #' an& the "e/innin/ % all / &1 2es' the s .l l (s .0 n it as a %$ien& an& its "$i&e' an& e5.lts in the $ec llecti n % it as the &a+ % es0 .sals9 it +ea$ns % $ the &a+ an& h .$ % &eath m $e than the (in/s % the ea$th % $ 0$inci0alities an& (in/& ms1 1A1 It #as % this (in& % &eath that the #ise man sai&' ,O &eath' + .$ C.&/ment is / & t the nee&+ man1-G@ I% it is / & t the nee&+ man' th ./h it & es n t s.00l+ his #ants' ".t n the c nt$a$+ &e0$i!es him e!en % #hat he has' h # m.ch m $e / & #ill it "e t the s .l in nee& % l !e an& #hich is c$+in/ % $ m $e' #hen it #ill n t nl+ n t $ " it %
G* * C $1 A?: G6 Phil1 1?*6 G: J.&/1 16?** GA 1 J hn :?1> G@ Eccl.s1 :1?6
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
the l !e it has al$ea&+' ".t #ill "e the ccasi n % that %.llness % l !e #hich it +ea$ns % $' an& is the s.00l+ % all its necessities1 It is n t #ith .t $eas n' then' that the s .l !ent.$es t sa+? A 8$et the vision and Your beauty kill me.9 1@1 The s .l (n #s #ell that in the instant % that !isi n it #ill "e itsel% a"s $"e& an& t$ans% $me& int that "ea.t+' an& "e ma&e "ea.ti%.l li(e it' en$iche&' an& a" .n&in/ in "ea.t+ as that "ea.t+ itsel%1 This is #h+ Da!i& sai&' ,P$eci .s in the si/ht % the L $& is the &eath % His saints'-GD ".t that c .l& n t "e i% the+ &i& n t "ec me 0a$ta(e$s % His /l $+' % $ the$e is n thin/ 0$eci .s in the e+es % G & e5ce0t that #hich He is Himsel%' an& the$e% $e' the s .l' #hen it l !es' %ea$s n t &eath' ".t $athe$ &esi$es it1 B.t the sinne$ is al#a+s a%$ai& t &ie' "eca.se he s.s0ects that &eath #ill &e0$i!e him % all / &' an& in%lict .0 n him all e!il9 % $ in the # $&s % Da!i&' ,the &eath % the #ic(e& is !e$+ e!il'-G> an& the$e% $e' as the #ise man sa+s' the !e$+ th ./ht % it is "itte$? ,O &eath' h # "itte$ is + .$ mem $+ t a man that has 0eace in his $ichesM- GG The #ic(e& l !e this li%e /$eatl+' an& the ne5t ".t little' an& a$e the$e% $e a%$ai& % &eath9 ".t the s .l that l !es G & li!es m $e in the ne5t li%e than in this' "eca.se it li!es $athe$ #he$e it l !es than #he$e it &#ells' an& the$e% $e esteemin/ ".t li/htl+ its 0$esent " &il+ li%e' c$ies .t? ,Let the !isi n an& 2 .$ "ea.t+ (ill me18Behold, the malady of love is in urable, e/ e"t in Your "resen e and before Your fa e.9 *A 1D1 The $eas n #h+ the mala&+ % l !e a&mits % n the$ $eme&+ than the 0$esence an& c .ntenance % the Bel !e& is that the mala&+ % l !e &i%%e$s %$ m e!e$+ the$ sic(ness' an& the$e% $e $e7.i$es a &i%%e$ent $eme&+1 In the$ &iseases' acc $&in/ t s .n& 0hil s 0h+' c nt$a$ies a$e c.$e& "+ c nt$a$ies9 ".t l !e is n t c.$e& ".t "+ that #hich is in ha$m n+ #ith itsel%1 The $eas n is that the health % the s .l c nsists in the l !e % G &9 an& s #hen that l !e is n t 0e$%ect' its health is n t 0e$%ect' an& the s .l is the$e% $e sic(' % $ sic(ness is n thin/ else ".t a %ail.$e % health1 Th.s' that s .l #hich l !es n t at all is &ea&9 ".t #hen it l !es a little' h #e!e$ little that ma+ "e' it is then ali!e' th ./h e5cee&in/l+ #ea( an& sic( "eca.se it l !es G & s little1 B.t the m $e its l !e inc$eases' the /$eate$ #ill "e its health' an& #hen its l !e is 0e$%ect' then' t ' its health als is 0e$%ect1 L !e is n t 0e$%ect .ntil the l !e$s "ec me s n an e7.alit+ as t "e m.t.all+ t$ans% $me& int ne an the$9 then l !e is #h ll+ 0e$%ect1 1>1 An& "eca.se the s .l is n # c nsci .s % a ce$tain a&.m"$ati n % l !e' #hich is the mala&+ % #hich it he$e s0ea(s' +ea$nin/ t "e ma&e li(e t Him % #h m it is a sha& #' that is the B$i&e/$ m' the ) $&' the S n % G &' )h ' as St1 Pa.l sa+s' is the ,s0len& $ % His /l $+' an& the %i/.$e % His s."stance9- 1BB an& "eca.se it is int this %i/.$e it &esi$es t "e t$ans% $me& "+ l !e' c$ies .t' ,Beh l&' the mala&+ % l !e is inc.$a"le e5ce0t in 2 .$ 0$esence' an& in the li/ht % 2 .$ C .ntenance1- The l !e that is im0e$%ect is $i/htl+ calle& a mala&+' "eca.se as a sic( man is en%ee"le& an& cann t
GD Ps1 11A?1A G> Ps1 66?** GG Eccl.s1 :1?1 1BB He"1 1?6
1B
1A
*B
6B
6A
:B
# $(' s the s .l that is #ea( in l !e is als en%ee"le& an& cann t 0$actice he$ ic !i$t.e1 1G1 An the$ e50lanati n % these # $&s is this? he #h %eels this mala&+ % l !e3that is' a %ail.$e % it3has an e!i&ence in himsel% that he has s me l !e' "eca.se he asce$tains #hat is &e%icient in him "+ that #hich he 0 ssesses1 B.t he #h is n t c nsci .s % this mala&+ has e!i&ence the$ein that he has n l !e at all' $ that he has al$ea&+ attaine& t 0e$%ect l !e1 NOTE 1B THE s .l n # c nsci .s % a !ehement l n/in/ a%te$ G &' li(e a st ne $.shin/ t its cente$' an& li(e #a5 #hich has "e/.n t $ecei!e the im0$essi n % the seal #hich it cann t 0e$%ectl+ $e0$esent' an& (n #in/' m $e !e$' that it is li(e a 0ict.$e li/htl+ s(etche&' c$+in/ % $ the a$tist t %inish his # $(' an& ha!in/ its %aith s clea$ as t t$ace m st &istinctl+ ce$tain &i!ine /lim0ses % the maCest+ % G &' (n #s n t #hat else t & ".t t t.$n in#a$& t that %aith3as in! l!in/ an& !eilin/ the %ace an& "ea.t+ % the Bel !e&3%$ m #hich it has $ecei!e& th se im0$essi ns an& 0le&/es % l !e' an& #hich it th.s a&&$esses?
1A
STANZA XII
A O rystal well( O that on Your silvered surfa e You would mirror forth at on e #hose desired eyes Whi h are outlined in my heart. THE s .l !ehementl+ &esi$in/ t "e .nite& t the B$i&e/$ m' an& seein/ that the$e is n hel0 $ s.cc $ in c$eate& thin/s' t.$ns t #a$&s the %aith' as t that #hich /i!es it the m st !i!i& !isi n % the Bel !e&' an& a& 0ts it as the means t that en&1 An&' in&ee&' the$e is n the$ #a+ % attainin/ t t$.e .ni n' t the s0i$it.al "et$ thal % G &' acc $&in/ t the # $&s % H sea? ,I #ill "et$ the + . t Me in %aith1- 1B1 In this %e$!ent &esi$e it c$ies .t in the # $&s % this stan4a' #hich a$e in e%%ect this? ,O %aith % Ch$ist' m+ B$i&e/$ mM Oh that + . # .l& mani%est clea$l+ th se t$.ths c nce$nin/ the Bel !e&' sec$etl+ an& "sc.$el+ in%.se&3% $ %aith is' as the l /ians sa+' an "sc.$e ha"it3s that + .$ in% $mal an& "sc.$e c mm.nicati ns ma+ "e in a m ment clea$9 Oh that + . # .l& #ith&$a# + .$sel% % $mall+ an& c m0letel+ %$ m these t$.ths3% $ %aith is a !eil !e$ the t$.ths % G &3an& $e!eal them 0e$%ectl+ in /l $+1- Acc $&in/l+ it sa+s? 8O rystal well(9 *A *1 Faith is calle& c$+stal % $ t# $eas ns? "eca.se it is % Ch$ist the B$i&e/$ m9 "eca.se it has the 0$ 0e$t+ % c$+stal' 0.$e in its t$.ths' a lim0i& #ell clea$ % e$$ $' an& % nat.$al % $ms1 It is a #ell "eca.se the #ate$s % all s0i$it.al / &ness %l # %$ m it int the s .l1 Ch$ist .$ L $&' s0ea(in/ t the # man % Sama$ia' calls %aith a #ell' sa+in/' ,The #ate$ that I #ill /i!e him shall "ec me in him a #ell % #ate$ s0$in/in/ .0 int li%e e!e$lastin/1-1B* This #ate$ is the S0i$it #hich the+ #h "elie!e shall $ecei!e "+ %aith in Him1 ,N # this He sai& % the S0i$it #hich the+ #h "elie!e& in Him sh .l& $ecei!e1-1B6 8Oh that on your silvered surfa e.9 6A 61 The a$ticles an& &e%initi ns % the %aith a$e calle& sil!e$e& s.$%aces1 In $&e$ t .n&e$stan& these # $&s an& th se that % ll #' #e m.st (n # that %aith is c m0a$e& t sil!e$ "eca.se % the 0$ 0 siti ns it teaches .s' the t$.th an& s."stance it in! l!es "ein/ c m0a$e& t / l&1 This !e$+ s."stance #hich #e n # "elie!e' hi&&en "ehin& the sil!e$ !eil % %aith' #e shall clea$l+ "eh l& an& enC + he$ea%te$9 the / l& % %aith shall "e ma&e mani%est1 Hence the Psalmist' s0ea(in/ % this' sa+s? ,I% + . slee0 ami&st the l ts' the #in/s % the & !e a$e lai& !e$ #ith sil!e$' an& the hin&e$ 0a$ts % the "ac( in the 0aleness % / l&1-1B: That means i% #e shall (ee0 the e+es % the .n&e$stan&in/ %$ m $e/a$&in/ the thin/s % hea!en an& % ea$th3this the Psalmist calls slee0in/ in the mi&st
1B1 H s1 *?*B 1B* J hn :?1: 1B6 J hn D?6G 1B: Ps1 @D?1:
1B
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6B
:B
3#e shall "e %i$m in the %aith' he$e calle& & !e' the #in/s % #hich a$e the t$.ths lai& !e$ #ith sil!e$' "eca.se in this li%e the %aith 0.ts these t$.ths "e% $e .s "sc.$el+ "eneath a !eil1 This is the $eas n #h+ the s .l calls them sil!e$e& s.$%ace1 B.t #hen %aith shall ha!e "een c ns.mmate& in the clea$ !isi n % G &' then the s."stance % %aith' the sil!e$ !eil $em !e&' #ill shine as / l&1 :1 As the %aith /i!es an& c mm.nicates t .s G & Himsel%' ".t hi&&en "eneath the sil!e$ % %aith' +et it $e!eals Him n ne the less1 S i% a man /i!es .s a !essel ma&e % / l&' ".t c !e$e& #ith sil!e$' he /i!es .s in $ealit+ a !essel % / l&' th ./h the / l& is c !e$e& !e$1 Th.s' #hen the "$i&e in the Canticle #as l n/in/ % $ the %$.iti n % G &' He 0$ mise& it t he$ s %a$ as the state % this li%e a&mitte& % it' sa+in/? ,)e #ill ma(e + . chains % / l& inlai& #ith sil!e$1-1BA He th.s 0$ mise& t /i!e Himsel% t he$ .n&e$ the !eil % %aith1 Hence the s .l a&&$esses the %aith' sa+in/? ,Oh that n + .$ sil!e$e& s.$%ace-3the &e%initi ns % %aith3-in #hich + . hi&e- the / l& % the &i!ine $a+s3 #hich a$e the &esi$e& e+es'3instantl+ a&&in/? 8You would mirror forth at on e those desired eyes(9
1B
1A
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*A
A1 B+ the e+es a$e .n&e$st &' as I ha!e sai&' the $a+s an& t$.ths % G &' #hich a$e set "e% $e .s hi&&en an& in% $mal in the &e%initi ns % the %aith1 Th.s the # $&s sa+ in s."stance? ,Oh that + . # .l& % $mall+ an& e50licitl+ $e!eal t me th se hi&&en t$.ths #hich 2 . teach im0licitl+ an& "sc.$el+ in the &e%initi ns % the %aith9 acc $&in/ t m+ ea$nest &esi$e1- Th se t$.ths a$e calle& e+es' "eca.se % the s0ecial 0$esence % the Bel !e&' % #hich the s .l is c nsci .s' "elie!in/ Him t "e 0e$0et.all+ $e/a$&in/ it9 an& s it sa+s? 8Whi h are outlined in my heart.9
6B
6A
@1 The s .l he$e sa+s that these t$.ths a$e .tline& in the hea$t3that is' in the .n&e$stan&in/ an& the #ill1 It is th$ ./h the .n&e$stan&in/ that these t$.ths a$e in%.se& int the s .l "+ %aith1 The+ a$e sai& t "e .tline& "eca.se the (n #le&/e % them is n t 0e$%ect1 As a s(etch is n t a 0e$%ect 0ict.$e' s the (n #le&/e that c mes "+ %aith is n t a 0e$%ect .n&e$stan&in/1 The t$.ths' the$e% $e' in%.se& int the s .l "+ %aith a$e as it #e$e in .tline' an& #hen the clea$ !isi n shall "e /$ante&' then the+ #ill "e as a 0e$%ect an& %inishe& 0ict.$e' acc $&in/ t the # $&s % the A0 stle? ,)hen that shall c me #hich is 0e$%ect' that shall "e ma&e ! i& #hich is in 0a$t1- 1B@ ,That #hich is 0e$%ect- is the clea$ !isi n' an& ,that #hich is in 0a$t- is the (n #le&/e that c mes "+ %aith1 D1 Besi&es this .tline #hich c mes "+ %aith' the$e is an the$ "+ l !e in the s .l that l !es3that is' in the #ill3in #hich the %ace % the Bel !e& is s &ee0l+ an& !i!i&l+ 0ict.$e&' #hen the .ni n % l !e cc.$s' that it ma+ "e t$.l+ sai& the Bel !e& li!es in the l !in/ s .l' an& the l !in/ s .l in the Bel !e&1 L !e 0$ &.ces s.ch a $esem"lance "+ the t$ans% $mati n % th se #h l !e that ne ma+ "e sai& t "e the the$' an& " th ".t ne1 The $eas n is' that in the .ni n an& t$ans% $mati n % l !e ne /i!es himsel% .0 t the the$ as his 0 ssessi n' an& each $esi/ns' a"an& ns' an& e5chan/es himsel% % $ the the$' an& " th "ec me ".t ne in the t$ans% $mati n #$ ./ht "+ l !e1
1BA Cant1 1?1B 1B@ 1 C $1 16?1B
:B
:A
1B
>1 This is the meanin/ % St1 Pa.l #hen he sai&' ,I li!e' n #' n t I' ".t Ch$ist li!es in me1-1BD In that He sa+s' ,I li!e' n #' n t I'- his meanin/ is' that th ./h he li!e&' +et the li%e he li!e& #as n t his #n' "eca.se he #as t$ans% $me& in Ch$ist? that his li%e #as &i!ine $athe$ than h.man9 an& % $ that $eas n' he sai& it #as n t he that li!e&' ".t Ch$ist )h li!e& in him1 )e ma+ the$e% $e sa+' acc $&in/ t this li(eness % t$ans% $mati n' that his li%e an& the li%e % Ch$ist #e$e ne "+ the .ni n % l !e1 This #ill "e 0e$%ect in hea!en in the &i!ine li%e % all th se #h shall me$it the "eati%ic !isi n9 % $' t$ans% $me& in G &' the+ #ill li!e the li%e % G & an& n t thei$ #n' since the li%e % G & #ill "e thei$s1 Then the+ #ill sa+ in t$.th1 ,)e li!e' ".t n t #e .$sel!es' % $ G & li!es in .s1G1 N #' this ma+ ta(e 0lace in this li%e' as in the case % St1 Pa.l' ".t n t 0e$%ectl+ an& c m0letel+' th ./h the s .l sh .l& attain t s.ch a t$ans% $mati n % l !e as shall "e s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' #hich is the hi/hest state it can $each in this li%e9 "eca.se all this is ".t an .tline % l !e c m0a$e& #ith the 0e$%ect ima/e % t$ans% $mati n in /l $+1 2et' #hen this .tline % t$ans% $mati n is attaine& in this li%e' it is a /$an& "lessin/' "eca.se the Bel !e& is s /$eatl+ 0lease& the$e#ith1 He &esi$es' the$e% $e' that the "$i&e sh .l& ha!e Him th.s &elineate& in he$ s .l' an& sa+s t he$' ,P.t Me as a seal .0 n + .$ hea$t' as a seal .0 n + .$ a$m1-1B> The hea$t he$e si/ni%ies the s .l' #he$ein G & in this li%e &#ells as an im0$essi n % the seal % %aith' an& the a$m is the $es l.te #ill' #he$e He is as the im0$esse& t (en % l !e1 1B1 S.ch is the state % the s .l at that time1 I s0ea( ".t little % it' n t #illin/ t lea!e it alt /ethe$ .nt .che&' th ./h n lan/.a/e can &esc$i"e it1
1A
*B
*A 111 The !e$+ s."stance % s .l an& " &+ seems t "e &$ie& .0 "+ thi$st a%te$ this li!in/ #ell % G &' % $ the thi$st $esem"les that % Da!i& #hen he c$ie& .t' ,As the ha$t l n/s % $ the % .ntains % #ate$s' s m+ s .l l n/s % $ 2 .' O G &1 M+ s .l has thi$ste& a%te$ the st$ n/ li!in/ G &9 #hen shall I c me an& a00ea$ "e% $e the %ace % G &8- 1BG S 00$essi!e is this thi$st t the s .l' that it c .nts it as n thin/ t "$ea( th$ ./h the cam0 % the Philistines' li(e the !aliant men % Da!i&' t %ill its 0itche$ #ith ,#ate$ .t % the ciste$ns % Bethlehem'-11B #hich is Ch$ist1 The t$ials % this # $l&' the $a/e % the &e!il' an& the 0ains % hell a$e n thin/ t 0ass th$ ./h' in $&e$ t 0l.n/e int this %ath mless % .ntain % l !e1 1*1 T this #e ma+ a00l+ th se # $&s in the Canticle? ,L !e is st$ n/ as &eath' Ceal .s+ is ha$& as hell1-111 It is inc$e&i"le h # !ehement a$e the l n/in/s an& s.%%e$in/s % the s .l #hen it sees itsel% n the 0 int % testin/ this / &' an& at the same time sees it #ithhel&9 % $ the nea$e$ the "Cect &esi$e&' the /$eate$ the 0an/s % its &enial? ,Be% $e I eat'- sa+s J "' ,I si/h' an& as it #e$e !e$%l #in/ #ate$s s m+ $ a$in/- 11* an& h.n/e$ % $ % &1 G & is meant he$e "+ % &9 % $ in 0$ 0 $ti n t the s .lLs l n/in/ % $ % &' an& its (n #le&/e % G &' is the 0ain it s.%%e$s n #1
1BD Gal1 *?*B 1B> Cant1 >?@ 1BG Ps1 :1?1'* 11B 1 Ch$1 11?1> 111 Cant1 >?@ 11* J " 6?*:
6B
6A
:B
NOTE THE s .$ce % the /$ie! .s s.%%e$in/s % the s .l at this time is the c nsci .sness % its #n em0tiness % G &3#hile it is &$a#in/ nea$e$ an& nea$e$ t Him3an& als ' the thic( &a$(ness #ith the s0i$it.al %i$e' #hich &$+ an& 0.$i%+ it' that' its 0.$i%icati n en&e&' it ma+ "e .nite& #ith G &1 F $ #hen G & sen&s n t % $th a $a+ % s.0e$nat.$al li/ht int the s .l' He is t it int le$a"le &a$(ness #hen He is e!en nea$ t it in s0i$it' % $ the s.0e$nat.$al li/ht "+ its !e$+ "$i/htness "sc.$es the me$e nat.$al li/ht1 Da!i& $e%e$$e& t this #hen he sai&? ,Cl .& an& mist $ .n& a" .t Him 1 1 1 a %i$e shall / "e% $e Him1-116 An& a/ain? ,He 0.t &a$(ness His c !e$t9 His ta"e$nacle is $ .n& a" .t Him' &a$(s me #ate$s in the cl .&s % the ai$1 Beca.se % the "$i/htness in His si/ht the cl .&s 0asse&' hail an& c als % %i$e1-11: The s .l that a00$ aches G & %eels Him t "e all this m $e an& m $e the %.$the$ it a&!ances' .ntil He shall ca.se it t ente$ #ithin His &i!ine "$i/htness th$ ./h the t$ans% $mati n % l !e1 B.t the c m% $t an& c ns lati ns % G & a$e' "+ His in%inite / &ness' 0$ 0 $ti nal t the &a$(ness an& em0tiness % the s .l' as it is #$itten' ,As the &a$(ness the$e %' s als the li/ht the$e %1- 11A An& "eca.se He h.m"les s .ls an& #ea$ies them' #hile He is e5altin/ them an& ma(in/ them /l $i .s' He sen&s int the s .l' in the mi&st % its #ea$iness' ce$tain &i!ine $a+s %$ m Himsel%' in s.ch /l $i .sness an& st$en/th % l !e as t sti$ it .0 %$ m its !e$+ &e0ths' an& t chan/e its #h le nat.$al c n&iti n1 Th.s' the s .l' in /$eat %ea$ an& nat.$al a#e' a&&$esses the Bel !e& in the %i$st # $&s % the % ll #in/ stan4a' the $emain&e$ % #hich is His ans#e$?
1B
1A
*B
116 Ps1 G@?*'6 11: Ps1 1D?1*'16 11A Ps1 16>?1*
STANZA XIII
A #urn them away, O my Beloved( I am on the Wing. THE BRIDEGROOM 1B .eturn, 1y 2ove( #he wounded hart $ooms on the hill In the air of your flight and is refreshed. EEPLANATION 1A AMID th se %e$!ent a%%ecti ns % l !e' s.ch as the s .l has sh #n in the 0$ece&in/ stan4as' the Bel !e& is # nt t !isit His "$i&e' ten&e$l+' l !in/l+' an& #ith /$eat st$en/th % l !e9 % $ $&ina$il+ the /$aces an& !isits % G & a$e /$eat in 0$ 0 $ti n t the /$eatness % th se %e$! $s an& l n/in/s % l !e #hich ha!e / ne "e% $e1 An&' as the s .l has s an5i .sl+ l n/e& % $ the &i!ine e+es3as in the % $e/ in/ stan4a3the Bel !e& $e!eals t it s me /lim0ses % His maCest+ an& G &hea&' acc $&in/ t its &esi$es1 These &i!ine $a+s st$i(e the s .l s 0$ % .n&l+ an& s !i!i&l+ that it is $a0t int an ecstas+ #hich in the "e/innin/ is atten&e& #ith /$eat s.%%e$in/ an& nat.$al %ea$1 Hence the s .l' .na"le t "ea$ the ecstasies in a " &+ s %$ail' c$ies .t' ,T.$n a#a+ + .$ e+es %$ m me18#urn them away, O my Beloved(9 6B *1 That is' ,2 .$ &i!ine e+es' % $ the+ ma(e me %l+ a#a+ .t % m+sel% t the hei/hts % c ntem0lati n' an& m+ nat.$al % $ce cann t "ea$ it1- This the s .l sa+s "eca.se it thin(s it has esca0e& %$ m the ".$&en % the %lesh' #hich #as the "Cect % its &esi$es9 it the$e% $e 0$a+s the Bel !e& t t.$n a#a+ His e+es9 that is' n t t sh # them in the " &+ #he$e it cann t "ea$ an& enC + them as it # .l&' ".t t sh # them t it in its %li/ht %$ m the " &+1 The B$i&e/$ m at nce &enies the $e7.est an& hin&e$s the %li/ht' sa+in/' ,Ret.$n' M+ D !eM % $ the c mm.nicati ns I ma(e t + . n # a$e n t th se % the state % /l $+ #he$ein + . &esi$e t "e9 ".t $et.$n t Me' % $ I am He )h m + .' # .n&e& #ith l !e' a$e see(in/' an& I' t ' as the ha$t' # .n&e& #ith + .$ l !e' "e/in t sh # M+sel% t + . n the hei/hts % c ntem0lati n' an& am $e%$eshe& an& &eli/hte& "+ the l !e #hich + .$ c ntem0lati n in! l!es1- The s .l then sa+s t the B$i&e/$ m? 8#urn them away, O my Beloved(9 61 The s .l' "eca.se % its intense l n/in/ a%te$ the &i!ine e+es3that is' the G &hea&3 $ecei!es inte$i $l+ %$ m the Bel !e& s.ch c mm.nicati ns an& (n #le&/e % G & as c m0el it t c$+ .t' ,T.$n them a#a+' O m+ Bel !e&M- F $ s.ch is the #$etche&ness % .$ m $tal nat.$e' that #e cann t "ea$3e!en #hen it is %%e$e& t .s3".t at the c st % .$ li%e' that #hich is the !e$+ li%e % the s .l' an& the "Cect % its ea$nest &esi$es' namel+' the (n #le&/e % the Bel !e&1 Th.s the s .l is c m0elle& t sa+' #ith $e/a$& t
*B
*A
6A
:B
:A
the e+es s ea$nestl+' s an5i .sl+ s ./ht % $' an& in s man+ #a+s3#hen the+ "ec me !isi"le3-T.$n them a#a+1A :1 S /$eat' at times' is the s.%%e$in/ % the s .l &.$in/ these ecstatic !isitati ns3an& the$e is n the$ 0ain #hich s #$enches the !e$+ " nes' an& #hich s 00$esses .$ nat.$al % $ces3that' #e$e it n t % $ the s0ecial inte$%e$ence % G &' &eath # .l& ens.e1 An&' in t$.th' s.ch is it t the s .l' the s."Cect % these !isitati ns' % $ it %eels as i% it #e$e $elease& %$ m the " &+ an& a st$an/e$ t the %lesh1 S.ch /$aces cann t "e 0e$%ectl+ $ecei!e& in the " &+' "eca.se the s0i$it % man is li%te& .0 t the c mm.ni n % the S0i$it % G &' )h !isits the s .l' an& m.st the$e% $e % necessit+ "e in s me meas.$e a st$an/e$ t the " &+1 Hence it is that the %lesh has t s.%%e$' an& c nse7.entl+ the s .l in it' "+ $eas n % thei$ .ni n in ne 0e$s n1 The /$eat a/ n+ % the s .l' the$e% $e' in these !isitati ns' an& the /$eat %ea$ that !e$#helms it #hen G & &eals #ith it in the s.0e$nat.$al #a+'11@ % $ce it t c$+ .t' ,T.$n them a#a+' O m+ Bel !e&MA1 B.t it is n t t "e s.00 se&' h #e!e$' that the s .l $eall+ #ishes Him t t.$n a#a+ His e+es9 % $ this is n thin/ else ".t the e50$essi n % nat.$al a#e' as I sai& "e% $e1 11D 2es' $athe$' c st the+ #hat the+ ma+' the s .l # .l& n t #illin/l+ miss these !isitati ns an& %a! $s % the Bel !e&9 % $ th ./h nat.$e ma+ s.%%e$' the s0i$it %lies t this s.0e$nat.$al $ec llecti n in $&e$ t enC + the s0i$it % the Bel !e&' the "Cect % its 0$a+e$s an& &esi$es1 The s .l is .n#illin/ t $ecei!e these !isitati ns in the " &+' #hen it cann t ha!e the 0e$%ect %$.iti n % them' an& nl+ in a sli/ht &e/$ee an& in 0ain9 ".t it c !ets them in the %li/ht % the &isem" &ie& s0i$it #hen it can enC + them %$eel+1 Hence it sa+s' ,T.$n them a#a+' m+ Bel !e&-3that is' D n t !isit me in the %lesh1 8I am on the wing.9 @1 It is as i% it sai&' ,I am ta(in/ m+ %li/ht .t % the " &+' that 2 . ma+ sh # them #hen I shall ha!e le%t it9 the+ "ein/ the ca.se % m+ %li/ht .t % the " &+1- F $ the "ette$ .n&e$stan&in/ % the nat.$e % this %li/ht #e sh .l& c nsi&e$ that #hich I sai& C.st n #111> In this !isitati n % the &i!ine S0i$it the s0i$it % the s .l is #ith /$eat !i lence " $ne .0#a$&s int c mm.ni n #ith the &i!ine' the " &+ is a"an& ne&' all its acts an& senses a$e s.s0en&e&' "eca.se the+ a$e a"s $"e& in G &1 Th.s the A0 stle' St1 Pa.l' s0ea(in/ % his #n ecstas+' sa+s' ,)hethe$ in the " &+ $ .t % the " &+' I cann t tell1-11G B.t #e a$e n t t s.00 se that the s .l a"an& ns the " &+' an& that the nat.$al li%e is &est$ +e&' ".t nl+ that its acti ns ha!e then cease&1 D1 This is the $eas n #h+ the " &+ $emains insensi"le in $a0t.$es an& ecstasies' an& .nc nsci .s % the m st 0ain%.l in%licti ns1 These a$e n t li(e the s# ns an& %aintin/s % the nat.$al li%e' #hich cease #hen 0ain "e/ins1 The+ #h ha!e n t a$$i!e& at 0e$%ecti n a$e lia"le t these !isitati ns' % $ the+ ha00en t th se #h a$e #al(in/ in the #a+ % 0$ %icients1 The+ #h a$e al$ea&+ 0e$%ect $ecei!e these !isitati ns in 0eace an& in the s#eetness % l !e? ecstasies cease' % $ the+ #e$e nl+ /$aces t 0$e0a$e them % $ this /$eate$ /$ace1
11@ See St1 Te$esa' KLi%e'L ch1 *B sect1 1@' $ KLas M $&a&as'L @1 ch1 111 11D Sect1 11 a" !e1 11> Sect1 :1 a" !e1 11G * C $1 1*?6
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
>1 This is a %ittin/ 0lace % $ &isc.ssin/ the &i%%e$ence "et#een $a0t.$es' ecstasies' the$ ele!ati ns an& s."tle %li/hts % the s0i$it' t #hich s0i$it.al 0e$s ns a$e lia"le9 ".t' as I inten& t & n thin/ m $e than e50lain "$ie%l+ this canticle' as I .n&e$t ( in the 0$ l /.e' I lea!e the s."Cect % $ th se #h a$e "ette$ 7.ali%ie& than I am1 I & this the m $e $ea&il+' "eca.se .$ m the$' the "lesse& Te$esa % Jes.s' has #$itten a&mi$a"l+ n this matte$'1*B #h se #$itin/s I h 0e in G & t see 0."lishe& s n1 The %li/ht % the s .l in this 0lace' then' is t "e .n&e$st & % ecstas+' an& ele!ati n % s0i$it in G &1 The Bel !e& imme&iatel+ sa+s? 8.eturn, 1y 2ove.9 G1 The s .l #as C +%.ll+ 7.ittin/ the " &+ in its s0i$it.al %li/ht' thin(in/ that its nat.$al li%e #as !e$' an& that it #as a" .t t ente$ int the e!e$lastin/ %$.iti n % the B$i&e/$ m' an& $emain #ith Him #ith .t a !eil "et#een them1 He' h #e!e$' $est$ains it in its %li/ht' sa+in/? 8.eturn, 1y 2ove.9
1B
1A
*B
1B1 It is as i% He sai&' ,O M+ D !e' in + .$ hi/h an& $a0i& %li/ht % c ntem0lati n' in the l !e #ith #hich + . a$e in%lame&' in the sim0licit+ % + .$ $e/a$&-3these a$e th$ee cha$acte$istics % the & !e3-$et.$n %$ m that %li/ht in #hich + . aim at the t$.e %$.iti n % M+sel%3the time is n t +et c me % $ (n #le&/e s hi/h3$et.$n' an& s."mit + .$sel% t that l #e$ &e/$ee % it #hich I c mm.nicate in this + .$ $a0t.$e18#he wounded hart.9 111 The B$i&e/$ m li(ens Himsel% t a ha$t' % $ "+ the ha$t he$e He means Himsel%1 The ha$t "+ nat.$e clim"s .0 t hi/h 0laces' an& #hen # .n&e& hastens t see( $elie% in the c lin/ #ate$s1 I% he hea$s his c ns $t m an an& sees that she is # .n&e&' he $.ns t he$ at nce' c m% $ts' an& ca$esses he$1 S the B$i&e/$ m n #9 % $' seein/ the "$i&e # .n&e& #ith His l !e' He' t ' hea$in/ he$ m anin/' is # .n&e& Himsel% #ith he$ l !e9 % $ #ith l !e$s the # .n& % ne is the # .n& % the the$' an& the+ ha!e the same %eelin/s in c mm n1 The B$i&e/$ m' the$e% $e' sa+s in e%%ect? ,Ret.$n' m+ "$i&e' t Me9 % $ as + . a$e # .n&e& #ith the l !e % Me' I t ' li(e the ha$t' am # .n&e& "+ l !e % $ + .1 I am li(e the ha$t' l min/ n the t 0 % the hill1- The$e% $e He sa+s? 8$ooms on the hill.9
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
1*1 That is' , n the hei/hts % c ntem0lati n' t #hich + . ha!e ascen&e& in + .$ %li/ht1- C ntem0lati n is a l %t+ eminence #he$e G &' in this li%e' "e/ins t c mm.nicate Himsel% t the s .l' an& t sh # Himsel%' ".t n t &istinctl+1 Hence it is sai&' ,L ms n the hill'- "eca.se He & es n t a00ea$ clea$l+1 H #e!e$ 0$ % .n& the (n #le&/e % Himsel% #hich G & ma+ /$ant t the s .l in this li%e' it is' a%te$ all' ".t an in&istinct !isi n1 )e n # c me t the thi$& 0$ 0e$t+ % the ha$t' the s."Cect % the line that % ll #s?
1*B See KRelati nL >1
8In the air of your flight, and is refreshed.9 161 The %li/ht is c ntem0lati n in the ecstas+ s0 (en % "e% $e' 1*1 an& the ai$ is the s0i$it % l !e 0$ &.ce& in the s .l "+ this %li/ht % c ntem0lati n' an& this l !e 0$ &.ce& "+ the %li/ht is he$e #ith /$eat 0$ 0$iet+ calle& ,ai$'- % $ the H l+ S0i$it als is li(ene& t ai$ in the Sac$e& )$itin/s' "eca.se He is the "$eath % the Fathe$ an& the S n1 An& s as He is the$e the ai$ % the %li/ht3that is' that He 0$ cee&s "+ the #ill %$ m the c ntem0lati n an& #is& m % the Fathe$ an& the S n' an& is "$eathe&3s he$e the l !e % the s .l is calle& ai$ "+ the B$i&e/$ m' "eca.se it 0$ cee&s %$ m the c ntem0lati n % G & an& the (n #le&/e % Him #hich at this time is 0 ssesse& "+ the s .l1 1:1 )e m.st "se$!e he$e that the B$i&e/$ m & es n t sa+ that He c mes at the %li/ht' ".t at the ai$ % the %li/ht' "eca.se 0$ 0e$l+ s0ea(in/ G & & es n t c mm.nicate Himsel% t the s .l "eca.se % that %li/ht' #hich is' as I ha!e sai&' the (n #le&/e it has % G &' ".t "eca.se % the l !e #hich is the %$.it % that (n #le&/e1 F $ as l !e is the .ni n % the Fathe$ an& the S n' s is it als % G & an& the s .l1 1A1 Hence it is that n t#ithstan&in/ the m st 0$ % .n& (n #le&/e % G &' an& c ntem0lati n itsel%' t /ethe$ #ith the (n #le&/e % all m+ste$ies' the s .l #ith .t l !e is # $th n thin/' an& can & n thin/' as the A0 stle sa+s' t #a$&s its .ni n #ith G &1 1** In an the$ 0lace he sa+s' ,Ha!e cha$it+' #hich is the " n& % 0e$%ecti n1- 1*6 This cha$it+ then an& l !e % the s .l ma(e the B$i&e/$ m $.n t &$in( % the % .ntain % the B$i&eLs l !e' as the c lin/ #ate$s att$act the thi$st+ an& the # .n&e& ha$t' t "e $e%$eshe& the$ein1 8And is refreshed.9 1@1 As the ai$ c ls an& $e%$eshes him #h is #ea$ie& #ith the heat' s the ai$ % l !e $e%$eshes an& c m% $ts him #h ".$ns #ith the %i$e % l !e1 The %i$e % l !e has this 0$ 0e$t+' the ai$ #hich c ls an& $e%$eshes it is an inc$ease % the %i$e itsel%1 T him #h l !es' l !e is a %lame that ".$ns #ith the &esi$e % ".$nin/ m $e an& m $e' li(e the %lame % mate$ial %i$e1 The c ns.mmati n % this &esi$e % ".$nin/ m $e an& m $e' #ith the l !e % the "$i&e' #hich is the ai$ % he$ %li/ht' is he$e calle& $e%$eshment1 The B$i&e/$ m sa+s in s."stance' ,I ".$n m $e an& m $e "eca.se % the a$& $ % + .$ %li/ht' % $ l !e (in&les l !e11D1 G & & es n t esta"lish His /$ace an& l !e in the s .l ".t in 0$ 0 $ti n t the / & #ill % that s .lLs l !e1 He' the$e% $e' that t$.l+ l !es G & m.st st$i!e that his l !e %ail n t9 % $ s ' i% #e ma+ th.s s0ea(' #ill he m !e G & t sh # him /$eate$ l !e' an& t ta(e /$eate$ &eli/ht in his s .l1 In $&e$ t attain t s.ch a &e/$ee % l !e' he m.st 0$actice th se thin/s % #hich the A0 stle s0ea(s' sa+in/? ,Cha$it+ is 0atient' is "eni/n? cha$it+ en!ies n t' &eals n t 0e$!e$sel+9 is n t 0.%%e& .0' is n t am"iti .s' see(s n t he$ #n' is n t 0$ ! (e& t an/e$' thin(s n t e!il' $eC ices n t .0 n ini7.it+' ".t $eC ices #ith the t$.th9 "ea$s all thin/s' "elie!es all thin/s' h 0es all thin/s' en&.$es all
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
1*1 Sect1 11 1** 1 C $1 16?* 1*6 C l1 6?1:
thin/s1-1*: NOTE A )HEN the & !e3that is the s .l3#as %l+in/ n the /ale % l !e !e$ the #ate$s % the &el./e % the #ea$iness an& l n/in/ % its l !e' ,n t %in&in/ #he$e he$ % t mi/ht $est'-1*A the c m0assi nate %athe$ N ah' in this last %li/ht' 0.t % $th the han& % his me$c+' ca./ht he$' an& "$ ./ht he$ int the a$( % his cha$it+ an& l !e1 That t ( 0lace #hen the B$i&e/$ m' as in the stan4a n # e50laine&' sai&' ,Ret.$n' M+ D !e1- In the shelte$ #ithin the a$(' the s .l' %in&in/ all it &esi$e&' an& m $e than it can e!e$ e50$ess' "e/ins t sin/ the 0$aises % the Bel !e&' cele"$atin/ the ma/ni%icence #hich it %eels an& enC +s in that .ni n' sa+in/?
1B
1*: 1 C $1 16?:JD 1*A Gen1 >?G
STANZAS XIV, XV
THE BRIDE A 1y Beloved is the mountains, #he solitary wooded valleys, #he strange islands, #he roaring torrents, #he whis"er of the amorous gales! #he tran3uil night At the a""roa hes of the dawn, #he silent musi , #he murmuring solitude, #he su""er whi h revives, and enkindles love. BEFORE I "e/in t e50lain these stan4as' I m.st "se$!e' in $&e$ that the+ an& th se #hich % ll # ma+ "e "ette$ .n&e$st &' that this s0i$it.al %li/ht si/ni%ies a ce$tain hi/h estate an& .ni n % l !e' t #hich' a%te$ man+ s0i$it.al e5e$cises' G & is # nt t ele!ate the s .l? it is calle& the s0i$it.al "et$ thal % the ) $&' the S n % G &1 In the "e/innin/' #hen this cc.$s the %i$st time' G & $e!eals t it /$eat thin/s % Himsel%' ma(es it "ea.ti%.l in maCest+ an& /$an&e.$' a& $ns it #ith /$aces an& /i%ts' an& en& #s it #ith h n $' an& #ith the (n #le&/e % Himsel%' as a "$i&e is a& $ne& n the &a+ % he$ "et$ thal1 On this ha00+ &a+ the s .l n t nl+ ceases %$ m its an5ieties an& l !in/ c m0laints' ".t is' m $e !e$' a& $ne& #ith all /$ace' ente$in/ int a state % 0eace an& &eli/ht' an& % the s#eetness % l !e' as it a00ea$s %$ m these stan4as' in #hich it & es n thin/ else ".t $ec .nt an& 0$aise the ma/ni%icence % the Bel !e&' #hich it $ec /ni4es in Him' an& enC +s in the .ni n % the "et$ thal1 *1 In the stan4as that % ll #' the s .l s0ea(s n m $e % its an5ieties an& s.%%e$in/s' as "e% $e' ".t % the s#eet an& 0eace%.l inte$c .$se % l !e #ith the Bel !e&9 % $ n # all its t$ ."les a$e !e$1 These t# stan4as' #hich I am a" .t t e50lain' c ntain all that G & is # nt at this time t "est # .0 n the s .l9 ".t #e a$e n t t s.00 se that all s .ls' th.s %a$ a&!ance&' $ecei!e all that is he$e &esc$i"e&' eithe$ in the same #a+ $ in the same &e/$ee % (n #le&/e an& % c nsci .sness1 S me s .ls $ecei!e m $e' the$s less9 s me in ne #a+' s me in an the$9 an& +et all ma+ "e in the state % s0i$it.al "et$ thal1 B.t in this stan4a the hi/hest 0 ssi"le is s0 (en %' "eca.se that em"$aces all1 EEPLANATION 61 As in the a$( % N ah the$e #e$e man+ cham"e$s % $ the &i%%e$ent (in&s % animals' as the Sac$e& )$itin/s tell .s' an& ,all % & that ma+ "e eaten'- 1*@ s the s .l' in its %li/ht t the &i!ine a$( % the " s m % G &' sees the$ein n t nl+ the man+ mansi ns % #hich .$ L $& s0ea(s' ".t als all the % &' that is' all the ma/ni%icence in #hich the s .l ma+ $eC ice' an& #hich a$e he$e $e%e$$e& t "+ the c mm n te$ms % these stan4as1 These a$e s."stantiall+ as % ll #s?
1*@ Gen1 @?*1
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
1B
:1 In this &i!ine .ni n the s .l has a !isi n an& % $etaste % a".n&ant an& inestima"le $iches' an& %in&s the$e all the $e0 se an& $e%$eshment it &esi$e&9 it attains t the sec$ets % G &' an& t a st$an/e (n #le&/e % Him' #hich is the % & % th se #h (n # Him m st9 it is c nsci .s % the a#%.l 0 #e$ % G & "e+ n& all the$ 0 #e$ an& mi/ht' tastes % the # n&e$%.l s#eetness an& &eli/ht % the S0i$it' %in&s its t$.e $est an& &i!ine li/ht' &$in(s &ee0l+ % the #is& m % G &' #hich shines % $th in the ha$m n+ % the c$eat.$es an& # $(s % G &9 it %eels itsel% %ille& #ith all / &' em0tie&' an& &eli!e$e& %$ m all e!il' an&' a" !e all' $eC ices c nsci .sl+ in the inestima"le "an7.et % l !e #hich c n%i$ms it in l !e1 This is the s."stance % these t# stan4as1 A1 The "$i&e he$e sa+s that he$ Bel !e& in Himsel% an& t he$ is all the "Cects she en.me$ates9 % $ in the ecstatic c mm.nicati ns % G & the s .l %eels an& .n&e$stan&s the t$.th % the sa+in/ % St1 F$ancis? ,G & is mine an& all thin/s a$e mine1- An& "eca.se G & is all' an& the s .l' an& the / & % all' the c mm.nicati n in this ecstas+ is e50laine& "+ the c nsi&e$ati n that the / &ness % the c$eat.$es $e%e$$e& t in these stan4as is a $e%lecti n % His / &ness' as #ill a00ea$ %$ m e!e$+ line the$e %1 All that is he$e set % $th is in G & eminentl+ in an in%inite #a+' $ $athe$' e!e$+ ne % these /$an&e.$s is G &' an& all % them t /ethe$ a$e G &1 Inasm.ch as the s .l is ne #ith G &' it %eels all thin/s t "e G & acc $&in/ t the # $&s % St1 J hn? ,)hat #as ma&e' in Him #as li%e1-1*D @1 B.t #e a$e n t t .n&e$stan& this c nsci .sness % the s .l as i% it sa# the c$eat.$es in G & as #e see mate$ial "Cects in the li/ht' ".t that it %eels all thin/s t "e G & in this %$.iti n % Him9 neithe$ a$e #e t ima/ine that the s .l sees G & essentiall+ an& clea$l+ "eca.se it has s &ee0 a sense % Him9 % $ this is nl+ a st$ n/ an& a".n&ant c mm.nicati n %$ m Him' a /limme$in/ li/ht % #hat He is in Himsel%' "+ #hich the s .l &isce$ns this / &ness % all thin/s' as I 0$ cee& t e50lain1 81y Beloved is the mountains.9 D1 M .ntains a$e hi/h %e$tile' e5tensi!e' "ea.ti%.l' l !el+' %l #e$+' an& & $ .s1 These m .ntains m+ Bel !e& is t me1
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
8#he solitary wooded valleys.9 >1 S lita$+ !alle+s a$e t$an7.il' 0leasant' c lin/' sha&+' a" .n&in/ in s#eet #ate$s' an& "+ the !a$iet+ % t$ees /$ #in/ in them' an& "+ the mel &+ % the "i$&s that %$e7.ent them' enli!en an& &eli/ht the senses9 thei$ s lit.&e an& silence 0$ c.$e .s a $e%$eshin/ $est1 These !alle+s m+ Bel !e& is t me1 8#he strange islands.9
:B
:A
G1 St$an/e islan&s a$e /i$t "+ the sea9 the+ a$e als ' "eca.se % the sea' &istant an& .n(n #n t the c mme$ce % men1 The+ 0$ &.ce thin/s !e$+ &i%%e$ent %$ m th se #ith #hich #e a$e c n!e$sant' in st$an/e #a+s' an& #ith 7.alities hithe$t .n(n #n' s as t s.$0$ise th se #h "eh l& them' an& %ill them #ith # n&e$1 Th.s' then' "+ $eas n % the
1*D J hn 1?6':1 See Stan4a !iii1
/$eat an& ma$!el .s # n&e$s' an& the st$an/e thin/s that c me t .$ (n #le&/e' %a$ "e+ n& the c mm n n ti ns % men' #hich the s .l "eh l&s in G &' it calls Him the st$an/e islan&s1 )e sa+ % a man that he is st$an/e % $ ne % t# $eas ns? eithe$ "eca.se he #ith&$a#s himsel% %$ m the s ciet+ % his %ell #s' $ "eca.se he is sin/.la$ $ &istin/.ishe& in his li%e an& c n&.ct1 F $ these t# $eas ns t /ethe$ G & is calle& st$an/e "+ the s .l1 He is n t nl+ all that is st$an/e in .n&isc !e$e& islan&s' ".t His #a+s' C.&/ments' an& # $(s a$e als st$an/e' ne#' an& ma$!el .s t men1 1B1 It is n thin/ # n&e$%.l that G & sh .l& "e st$an/e t men #h ha!e ne!e$ seen Him' seein/ that He is als st$an/e t the h l+ an/els an& the s .ls #h see Him9 % $ the+ neithe$ can n $ shall e!e$ see Him 0e$%ectl+1 2es' e!en t the &a+ % the last C.&/ment the+ #ill see in Him s m.ch that is ne# in His &ee0 C.&/ments' in His acts % me$c+ an& C.stice' as t e5cite thei$ # n&e$ m $e an& m $e1 Th.s G & is the st$an/e islan&s n t t men nl+' ".t t the an/els als 9 nl+ t Himsel% is He neithe$ st$an/e n $ ne#1 8#he roaring torrents.9
1B
1A
*B
111 T $$ents ha!e th$ee 0$ 0e$ties1 11 The+ !e$%l # all that is in thei$ c .$se1 *1 The+ %ill all h ll #s1 61 The+ !e$0 #e$ all the$ s .n&s "+ thei$ #n1 An& hence the s .l' %eelin/ m st s#eetl+ that these th$ee 0$ 0e$ties "el n/ t G &' sa+s' ,M+ Bel !e& is the $ a$in/ t $$ents11*1 As t the %i$st 0$ 0e$t+ % #hich the s .l is c nsci .s' it %eels itsel% t "e s !e$#helme& #ith the t $$ent % the S0i$it % G &' an& s !i lentl+ !e$0 #e$e& "+ it' that all the #ate$s in the # $l& seem t it t ha!e s.$$ .n&e& it' an& t ha!e &$ #ne& all its % $me$ acti ns an& 0assi ns1 Th ./h all this is !i lent' +et the$e is n thin/ 0ain%.l in it' % $ these $i!e$s a$e $i!e$s % 0eace' as it is #$itten' G &' s0ea(in/ th$ ./h Isaiah' sa+in/' ,I #ill &ecline .0 n he$' as it #e$e' a %l & % 0eace' an& as a t $$ent !e$%l #in/ /l $+1-1*> That is' ,I #ill "$in/ .0 n the s .l' as it #e$e' a $i!e$ % 0eace' an& a t $$ent !e$%l #in/ #ith /l $+1- Th.s this &i!ine !e$%l #in/' li(e $ a$in/ t $$ents' %ills the s .l #ith 0eace an& /l $+1 The sec n& 0$ 0e$t+ the s .l %eels is that this &i!ine #ate$ is n # %illin/ the !essels % its h.milit+ an& the em0tiness % its &esi$es' as it is #$itten? ,He has e5alte& the h.m"le' an& %ille& the h.n/$+ #ith / &1- 1*G The thi$& 0$ 0e$t+ % #hich the s .l is n # c nsci .s in the $ a$in/ t $$ents % the Bel !e& is a s0i$it.al s .n& an& ! ice !e$0 #e$in/ all the$ s .n&s an& ! ices in the # $l&1 The e50lanati n % this #ill ta(e a little time1 161 This ! ice' $ this m.$m.$in/ s .n& % the #ate$s' is an !e$%l #in/ s a".n&ant as t %ill the s .l #ith / &' an& a 0 #e$ s mi/ht+ sei4in/ .0 n it as t seem n t nl+ the s .n& % man+ #ate$s' ".t a m st l .& $ a$in/ % th.n&e$1 B.t the ! ice is a s0i$it.al ! ice' .natten&e& "+ mate$ial s .n&s $ the 0ain an& t $ment % them' ".t $athe$ #ith maCest+' 0 #e$' mi/ht' &eli/ht' an& /l $+? it is' as it #e$e' a ! ice' an in%inite inte$i $ s .n& #hich en& #s the s .l #ith 0 #e$ an& mi/ht1 The A0 stles hea$& in s0i$it this ! ice #hen the H l+ S0i$it &escen&e& .0 n them in the s .n& ,as % a mi/ht+ #in&'- 16B
1*> Isa1 @@?1* 1*G L.(e 1?A* 16B Acts *?*
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
as #e $ea& in the Acts % the A0 stles1 In $&e$ t mani%est this s0i$it.al ! ice' inte$i $l+ s0 (en' the s .n& #as hea$& e5te$i $l+' as % a $.shin/ #in&' "+ all th se #h #e$e in Je$.salem1 This e5te$i $ mani%estati n $e!eals #hat the A0 stles inte$i $l+ $ecei!e&' namel+' %.llness % 0 #e$ an& mi/ht1 A 1:1 S als #hen .$ L $& Jes.s 0$a+e& t the Fathe$ "eca.se % His &ist$ess an& the $a/e % His enemies' He hea$& an inte$i $ ! ice %$ m hea!en' c m% $tin/ Him in His Sac$e& H.manit+1 The s .n&' s lemn an& /$a!e' #as hea$& e5te$i $l+ "+ the Je#s' s me % #h m sai& that it th.n&e$e&? the$s sai&' ,An an/el has s0 (en t Him1- 161 The ! ice .t#a$&l+ hea$& #as the .t#a$& si/n an& e50$essi n % that st$en/th an& 0 #e$ #hich Ch$ist then in#a$&l+ $ecei!e& in His h.man nat.$e1 )e a$e n t t s.00 se that the s .l & es n t hea$ in s0i$it the s0i$it.al ! ice "eca.se it is als .t#a$&l+ hea$&1 The s0i$it.al ! ice is the e%%ect n the s .l % the a.&i"le ! ice' as mate$ial s .n&s st$i(e the ea$' an& im0$ess the meanin/ % it n the min&1 This #e lea$n %$ m Da!i& #hen he sai&' ,He #ill /i!e t His ! ice the ! ice % st$en/th9- 16* this st$en/th is the inte$i $ ! ice1 He #ill /i!e t His ! ice3that is' the .t#a$& ! ice' a.&i"l+ hea$&3the ! ice % st$en/th #hich is %elt #ithin1 G & is an in%inite ! ice' an& c mm.nicatin/ Himsel% th.s t the s .l 0$ &.ces the e%%ect % an in%inite ! ice1 1A1 This ! ice #as hea$& "+ St1 J hn' sa+in/ in the Re!elati n' ,I hea$& a ! ice %$ m hea!en as the ! ice % man+ #ate$s' an& as the ! ice % /$eat th.n&e$1- An&' lest it sh .l& "e s.00 se& that a ! ice s st$ n/ #as &ist$essin/ an& ha$sh' he a&&s imme&iatel+' ,The ! ice #hich I hea$& #as as the ! ice % ha$0e$s ha$0in/ n thei$ ha$0s1-166 E4e(iel sa+s that this s .n& as % man+ #ate$s #as ,as it #e$e the s .n& % the Hi/h G &'-16: 0$ % .n&l+ an& s#eetl+ c mm.nicate& in it1 This ! ice is in%inite' "eca.se' as I ha!e sai&' it is G & )h c mm.nicates Himsel%' s0ea(in/ in the s .l9 ".t He a&a0ts Himsel% t each s .l' .tte$in/ the ! ice % st$en/th acc $&in/ t its ca0acit+' in maCest+ an& C +1 An& s the "$i&e sin/s in the Canticle? ,Let 2 .$ ! ice s .n& in m+ ea$s' % $ 2 .$ ! ice is s#eet1-16A 8#he whis"er of the amorous gales.9 1@1 T# thin/s a$e t "e c nsi&e$e& he$e3/ales an& #his0e$1 The am $ .s /ales a$e the !i$t.es an& /$aces % the Bel !e&' #hich' "eca.se % its .ni n #ith the B$i&e/$ m' 0la+ a$ .n& the s .l' an&' m st l !in/l+ sent % $th' t .ch it in thei$ #n s."stance1 The #his0e$ % the /ales is a m st s."lime an& s#eet (n #le&/e % G & an& % His att$i".tes' #hich !e$%l #s int the .n&e$stan&in/ %$ m the c ntact % the att$i".tes % G & #ith the s."stance % the s .l1 This is the hi/hest &eli/ht % #hich the s .l is ca0a"le in this li%e1 1D1 That #e ma+ .n&e$stan& this the "ette$' #e m.st (ee0 in min& that as in a /ale t# thin/s a$e "se$!a"le3the t .ch % it' an& the #his0e$ $ s .n&3s the$e a$e t# thin/s "se$!a"le als in the c mm.nicati ns % the B$i&e/$ m3the sense % &eli/ht' an& the .n&e$stan&in/ % it1 As the t .ch % the ai$ is %elt in the sense % t .ch' an& the
161 J hn 1*?*G 16* Ps1 @D?6: 166 Re!1 1:?* 16: E4e(1 1?*: 16A Cant1 *?1:
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
#his0e$ % it hea$& in the ea$' s als the c ntact % the 0e$%ecti ns % the Bel !e& is %elt an& enC +e& in the t .ch % the s .l3that is' in the s."stance the$e %' th$ ./h the inst$.mentalit+ % the #ill9 an& the (n #le&/e % the att$i".tes % G & %elt in the hea$in/ % the s .l3that is' in the .n&e$stan&in/1 A 1>1 The /ale is sai& t "l # am $ .sl+ #hen it st$i(es &elici .sl+' satis%+in/ his &esi$e #h is l n/in/ % $ the $e%$eshin/ #hich it ministe$s9 % $ it then $e!i!es an& s thes the sense % t .ch' an& #hile the sense % t .ch is th.s s the&' that % hea$in/ als $eC ices an& &eli/hts in the s .n& an& #his0e$ % the /ale m $e than the t .ch in the c ntact % the ai$' "eca.se the sense % hea$in/ is m $e s0i$it.al' $' t s0ea( #ith /$eate$ c $$ectness' is m $e nea$l+ c nnecte& #ith the s0i$it.al than is that % t .ch' an& the &eli/ht the$e % is m $e s0i$it.al than is that % the t .ch1 S als ' inasm.ch as this t .ch % G & /$eatl+ satis%ies an& c m% $ts the s."stance % the s .l' s#eetl+ %.l%illin/ its l n/in/ t "e $ecei!e& int .ni n9 this .ni n' $ t .ch' is calle& am $ .s /ales' "eca.se' as I sai& "e% $e' the 0e$%ecti ns % the Bel !e& a$e "+ it c mm.nicate& t the s .l l !in/l+ an& s#eetl+' an& th$ ./h it the #his0e$ % (n #le&/e t the .n&e$stan&in/1 It is calle& #his0e$' "eca.se' as the #his0e$ % the ai$ 0enet$ates s."tl+ int the $/an % hea$in/' s this m st s."tle an& &elicate (n #le&/e ente$s #ith ma$!el .s s#eetness an& &eli/ht int the inm st s."stance % the s .l' #hich is the hi/hest % all &eli/hts1 1G1 The $eas n is that s."stantial (n #le&/e is n # c mm.nicate& intelli/i"l+' an& st$i00e& % all acci&ents an& ima/es' t the .n&e$stan&in/' #hich 0hil s 0he$s call 0assi!e $ 0assi"le' "eca.se inacti!e #ith .t an+ nat.$al e%% $ts % its #n &.$in/ this c mm.nicati n1 This is the hi/hest &eli/ht % the s .l' "eca.se it is in the .n&e$stan&in/' #hich is the seat % %$.iti n' as the l /ians teach' an& %$.iti n is the !isi n % G &1 S me the l /ians thin(' inasm.ch as this #his0e$ si/ni%ies the s."stantial intelli/ence' that .$ %athe$ EliCah ha& a !isi n % G & in the &elicate #his0e$ % the ai$' #hich he hea$& n the m .nt at the m .th % the ca!e1 The H l+ Sc$i0t.$e calls it ,the #histlin/ % a /entle #in&'-16@ "eca.se (n #le&/e is "e/ tten in the .n&e$stan&in/ "+ the s."tle an& &elicate c mm.nicati n % the S0i$it1 The s .l calls it he$e the #his0e$ % the am $ .s /ales' "eca.se it %l #s int the .n&e$stan&in/ %$ m the l !in/ c mm.nicati n % the 0e$%ecti ns % the Bel !e&1 This is #h+ it is calle& the #his0e$ % the am $ .s /ales1 *B1 This &i!ine #his0e$ #hich ente$s in "+ the ea$ % the s .l is n t nl+ s."stantial (n #le&/e' ".t a mani%estati n als % the t$.ths % the Di!init+' an& a $e!elati n % the sec$et m+ste$ies the$e %1 F $ in /ene$al' in the H l+ Sc$i0t.$es' e!e$+ c mm.nicati n % G & sai& t ente$ in "+ the ea$ is a mani%estati n % 0.$e t$.ths t the .n&e$stan&in/' $ a $e!elati n % the sec$ets % G &1 These a$e $e!elati ns n 0.$el+ s0i$it.al !isi ns' an& a$e c mm.nicate& &i$ectl+ t the s .l #ith .t the inte$!enti n % the senses' an& th.s' #hat G & c mm.nicates th$ ./h the s0i$it.al ea$ is m st 0$ % .n& an& m st ce$tain1 )hen St1 Pa.l # .l& e50$ess the /$eatness % the $e!elati ns ma&e t him' he &i& n t sa+' ,I sa# $ I 0e$cei!e& sec$et # $&s'- ".t ,I hea$& sec$et # $&s #hich it is n t /$ante& t man t .tte$1-16D It is th ./ht that St1 Pa.l als sa# G &' as .$ %athe$ EliCah' in the #his0e$ % a /entle ai$1 F $ as ,%aith c mes "+ hea$in/-3s the A0 stle teaches 3that is' "+ the hea$in/ % the mate$ial ea$' s als that #hich the %aith teaches' the
16@ 1 Iin/s 1G?1* 16D * C $1 1*?:
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
intelli/i"le t$.th' c mes "+ s0i$it.al hea$in/1 *11 The 0$ 0het J "' s0ea(in/ t G &' #hen He $e!eale& Himsel% t him' teaches the same & ct$ine' sa+in/' ,)ith the hea$in/ % the ea$ I ha!e hea$& 2 .' ".t n # m+ e+e sees 2 .1-16> It is clea$' %$ m this' that t hea$ #ith the ea$ % the s .l is t see #ith the e+e % the 0assi!e .n&e$stan&in/1 He & es n t sa+' ,I hea$& #ith the hea$in/ % m+ ea$s'- ".t ,#ith the hea$in/ % m+ ea$-9 n $' ,#ith the seein/ % m+ e+es'- ".t ,#ith the e+e % m+ .n&e$stan&in/-9 the hea$in/ % the s .l is' the$e% $e' the !isi n % the .n&e$stan&in/1 **1 Still' #e a$e n t t thin( that #hat the s .l 0e$cei!es' th ./h 0.$e t$.th' can "e the 0e$%ect an& clea$ %$.iti n % Hea!en1 F $ th ./h it is %$ee %$ m acci&ents' as I sai& "e% $e'16G it is &im an& n t clea$' "eca.se it is c ntem0lati n' #hich in this li%e' as St1 Di n+si.s sa+s' ,is a $a+ % &a$(ness'- 1:B an& th.s #e ma+ sa+ that it is a $a+ an& an ima/e % %$.iti n' "eca.se it is in the .n&e$stan&in/' #hich is the seat % %$.iti n1 This s."stantial t$.th' calle& he$e a #his0e$' is the ,e+es &esi$e&- #hich the Bel !e& sh #e& t the "$i&e' #h ' .na"le t "ea$ the !isi n' c$ie&' ,T.$n them a#a+' O m+ Bel !e&1-1:1 *61 The$e is a 0assa/e in the " ( % J " #hich /$eatl+ c n%i$ms #hat I ha!e sai& % $a0t.$e an& "et$ thal' an&' "eca.se I c nsi&e$ it t "e m.ch t the 0.$0 se' I #ill /i!e it he$e' th ./h it ma+ &ela+ .s a little' an& e50lain th se 0 $ti ns % it #hich "el n/ t m+ s."Cect1 The e50lanati n shall "e sh $t' an& #hen I shall ha!e ma&e it' I shall / n t e50lain the the$ stan4a1 The 0assa/e is as % ll #s? ,T me the$e #as s0 (en a sec$et # $&'- sai& Eli0ha4 the Themanite' ,an&' as it #e$e' m+ ea$ "+ stealth $ecei!e& the !eins % its #his0e$1 In the h $$ $ % a !isi n "+ ni/ht' #hen &ee0 slee0 is # nt t h l& men' %ea$ hel& me an& t$em"lin/' an& all m+ " nes #e$e ma&e s $e a%$ai&? an& #hen the s0i$it 0asse& "e% $e me the hai$ % m+ %lesh st & .0$i/ht1 The$e st & ne #h se c .ntenance I (ne# n t' an ima/e "e% $e m+ e+es' an& I hea$& the ! ice' as it #e$e' % a /entle #in&1-1:* *:1 This 0assa/e c ntains alm st all I sai& a" .t $a0t.$e in the thi$teenth stan4a' #he$e the "$i&e sa+s? ,T.$n them a#a+' O m+ Bel !e&1- The ,# $& s0 (en in sec$et- t Eli0ha4 is that sec$et c mm.nicati n #hich "+ $eas n % its /$eatness the s .l #as n t a"le t en&.$e' an&' the$e% $e' c$ie& .t? ,T.$n them a#a+' O m+ Bel !e&1- Eli0ha4 sa+s that his ,ea$ as it #e$e "+ stealth $ecei!e& the !eins % its #his0e$1- B+ that is meant the 0.$e s."stance #hich the .n&e$stan&in/ $ecei!es' % $ the ,!eins- he$e &en te the inte$i $ s."stance1 The #his0e$ is that c mm.nicati n an& t .ch % the !i$t.es #he$e"+ the sai& s."stance is c mm.nicate& t the .n&e$stan&in/1 It is calle& a #his0e$ "eca.se % its /$eat /entleness1 An& the s .l calls it the am $ .s /ales "eca.se it is l !in/l+ c mm.nicate&1 It is sai& t "e $ecei!e& as it #e$e "+ stealth' % $ as that #hich is st len is alienate&' s this sec$et is alien t man' s0ea(in/ in the $&e$ % nat.$e' "eca.se that #hich he $ecei!e& & es n t a00e$tain t him nat.$all+' an& th.s it #as n t la#%.l % $ him t $ecei!e it9 neithe$ #as it la#%.l % $ St1 Pa.l t $e0eat #hat he hea$&1
16> J " :*?A 16G Sect1 *B1 1:B KDe M+stica The l /ia'L ch1 i1 1:1 Cant1 @?: 1:* J " :?1*J1@
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
F $ this $eas n the 0$ 0het sa+s t#ice' ,M+ sec$et t m+sel%' m+ sec$et t m+sel%1-1:6 *A1 )hen Eli0ha4 s0ea(s % the h $$ $ % the !isi n "+ ni/ht' an& % the %ea$ an& t$em"lin/ that sei4e& .0 n him' he $e%e$s t the a#e an& &$ea& that c mes .0 n the s .l nat.$all+ in $a0t.$e' "eca.se in its nat.$al st$en/th it is .na"le' as I sai& "e% $e' 1:: t en&.$e the c mm.nicati n % the S0i$it % G &1 The 0$ 0het /i!es .s t .n&e$stan& that' as #hen slee0 is a" .t t %all .0 n men' a ce$tain !isi n #hich the+ call a ni/htma$e is # nt t 00$ess an& te$$i%+ them in the inte$!al "et#een slee0in/ an& #a(in/' #hich is the m ment % the a00$ ach % slee0' s in the s0i$it.al 0assa/e "et#een the slee0 % nat.$al i/n $ance an& the #a(in/ % the s.0e$nat.$al .n&e$stan&in/' #hich is the "e/innin/ % an ecstas+ $ $a0t.$e' the s0i$it.al !isi n then $e!eale& ma(es the s .l %ea$ an& t$em"le1 *@1 ,All m+ " nes #e$e a%%$i/hte&-9 that is' #e$e sha(en an& &ist.$"e&1 B+ this he meant a ce$tain &isl cati n % the " nes #hich ta(es 0lace #hen the s .l %alls int an ecstas+1 This is clea$l+ e50$esse& "+ Daniel #hen he sa# the an/el' sa+in/' ,O m+ l $&' at the si/ht % + . m+ C ints a$e l se&1-1:A ,)hen the s0i$it 0asse& "e% $e me-3that is' ,)hen m+ s0i$it #as ma&e t t$anscen& the #a+s an& limitati ns % nat.$e in ecstasies an& $a0t.$es-3-the hai$ % m+ %lesh st & .0$i/ht-9 that is' ,m+ " &+ #as chille&' an& the %lesh c nt$acte&' li(e that % a &ea& man1*D1 ,The$e st & One-3that is G &' )h $e!eals Himsel% a%te$ this manne$3-)h se c .ntenance (ne# n t-? in these c mm.nicati ns $ !isi ns' h #e!e$ hi/h the+ ma+ "e' the s .l neithe$ (n #s n $ "eh l&s the %ace an& "ein/ % G &1 ,An ima/e "e% $e m+ e+es-9 that is' the (n #le&/e % the sec$et # $&s #as m st &ee0' as it #e$e the ima/e an& %ace % G &9 ".t still this is n t the essential !isi n % G &1 ,I hea$& the ! ice' as it #e$e' % a /entle #in&-9 this is the #his0e$ % the am $ .s /ales3that is' % the Bel !e& % the s .l1 *>1 B.t it is n t t "e s.00 se& that these !isits % G & a$e al#a+s atten&e& "+ s.ch te$$ $s an& &ist$ess % nat.$e? that ha00ens t them nl+ #h a$e ente$in/ the state % ill.minati n an& 0e$%ecti n' an& in this (in& % c mm.nicati n9 % $ in the$s the+ c me #ith /$eat s#eetness1
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
1:6 Isa1 *:?1@ 1:: Stan1 5iii1 sect1 11 1:A Dan1 1B?1@
STANZA XV
A ,THE t$an7.il ni/ht1- In this s0i$it.al slee0 in the " s m % the Bel !e& the s .l is in 0 ssessi n an& %$.iti n % all the calm' $e0 se' an& 7.iet % a 0eace%.l ni/ht' an& $ecei!es at the same time in G & a ce$tain &im' .n%ath ma"le &i!ine intelli/ence1 This is the $eas n #h+ it sa+s that the Bel !e& is t it the t$an7.il ni/ht1 *1 ,At the a00$ aches % the &a#n1- This t$an7.il ni/ht is n t li(e a ni/ht % &a$(ness' ".t $athe$ li(e the ni/ht #hen the s.n$ise is &$a#in/ ni/h1 This t$an7.illit+ an& $e0 se in G & is n t all &a$(ness t the s .l' as the &a$( ni/ht is' ".t $athe$ t$an7.illit+ an& $e0 se in the &i!ine li/ht an& in a ne# (n #le&/e % G &' #he$e"+ the min&' m st s#eetl+ t$an7.il' is $aise& t a &i!ine li/ht1 61 This &i!ine li/ht is he$e !e$+ a00$ 0$iatel+ calle& the a00$ aches % the &a#n' that is' the t#ili/ht9 % $ as the t#ili/ht % the m $n &is0e$ses the &a$(ness % the ni/ht an& $e!eals the li/ht % &a+' s the min&' t$an7.il an& $e0 sin/ in G &' is $aise& .0 %$ m the &a$(ness % nat.$al (n #le&/e t the m $nin/ li/ht % the s.0e$nat.$al (n #le&/e % G &9 n t clea$' in&ee&' as I ha!e sai&' ".t &im' li(e the ni/ht at the a00$ aches % the &a#n1 F $ as it is then neithe$ #h ll+ ni/ht n $ #h ll+ &a+' ".t' as the+ sa+' t#ili/ht' s this s lit.&e an& &i!ine $e0 se is neithe$ 0e$%ectl+ ill.mine& "+ the &i!ine li/ht n $ +et 0e$%ectl+ alien %$ m it1 :1 In this t$an7.illit+ the .n&e$stan&in/ is li%te& .0 in a st$an/e #a+ a" !e its nat.$al c m0$ehensi n t the &i!ine li/ht? it is li(e a man #h ' a%te$ a 0$ % .n& slee0' 0ens his e+es t .ne50ecte& li/ht1 This (n #le&/e is $e%e$$e& t "+ Da!i& #hen he sa+s' ,I ha!e #atche&' an& am "ec me as the l nel+ s0a$$ # n the h .set 0-9 1:@ that is' ,I 0ene& the e+es % m+ .n&e$stan&in/ an& #as $aise& .0 a" !e all nat.$al c m0$ehensi n' l nel+' #ith .t them' n the h .set 0' li%te& .0 a" !e all ea$thl+ c nsi&e$ati ns1- He sa+s that he #as ,"ec me as the l nel+ s0a$$ #'- "eca.se in this (in& % c ntem0lati n' the s0i$it has the 0$ 0e$ties % the s0a$$ #1 These a$e %i!e in n.m"e$? i1 It %$e7.ents in /ene$al hi/h 0laces9 an& the s0i$it' in this state' $ises t the hi/hest c ntem0lati n1 ii1 It is e!e$ t.$nin/ its %ace in the &i$ecti n % the #in&' an& the s0i$it t.$ns its a%%ecti ns thithe$ #hence c mes the s0i$it % l !e' #hich is G &1 iii1 It is in /ene$al s lita$+' a"stainin/ %$ m the c m0ani nshi0 % the$s' an& %l+in/ a#a+ #hen an+ a00$ ach it? s the s0i$it' in c ntem0lati n' is %a$ a#a+ %$ m all # $l&l+ th ./hts' l nel+ in its a! i&ance % them9 neithe$ & es it c nsent t an+thin/ e5ce0t t this s lit.&e in G &1 i!1 It sin/s m st s#eetl+' an& s als & es the s0i$it at this time sin/ t G &9 % $ the 0$aises #hich it %%e$s .0 0$ cee& %$ m the s#eetest l !e' m st 0leasin/ t itsel%' an& m st 0$eci .s in the si/ht % G &1 !1 It is % n &e%inite c l $9 s als is the 0e$%ect s0i$it' #hich in this ecstas+ is n t nl+ #ith .t an+ tin/e % sens.al a%%ecti n $ sel%Jl !e' ".t als #ith .t an+ 0a$tic.la$ c nsi&e$ati n % the thin/s % hea!en $ ea$th9 neithe$ can it /i!e an+ acc .nt #hate!e$ % them' "eca.se it has ente$e& int the a"+ss % the (n #le&/e % G &1
1:@ Ps1 1B1?>
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
8#he silent musi .9 A1 In this silence an& t$an7.illit+ % the ni/ht' an& in this (n #le&/e % the &i!ine li/ht' the s .l &isce$ns a ma$!el .s a$$an/ement an& &is0 siti n % G &Ls #is& m in the &i!e$sities % His c$eat.$es an& 0e$ati ns1 All these' an& each ne % them' ha!e a ce$tain c $$es0 n&ence #ith G &' #he$e"+ each' "+ a ! ice 0ec.lia$ t itsel%' 0$ claims #hat the$e is in itsel% % G &' s as t % $m a c nce$t % s."limest mel &+' t$anscen&in/ all the ha$m nies % the # $l&1 This is the silent m.sic' "eca.se it is (n #le&/e t$an7.il an& calm' #ith .t a.&i"le ! ice9 an& th.s the s#eetness % m.sic an& the $e0 se % silence a$e enC +e& in it1 The s .l sa+s that the Bel !e& is silent m.sic' "eca.se this ha$m n+ % s0i$it.al m.sic is in Him .n&e$st & an& %elt1 He is n t this nl+' He is als 3 8#he murmuring solitude.9 1A @1 This is alm st the same as the silent m.sic1 F $ th ./h the m.sic is ina.&i"le t the senses an& the nat.$al 0 #e$s' it is a s lit.&e m st %.ll % s .n& t the s0i$it.al 0 #e$s1 These 0 #e$s "ein/ in s lit.&e' em0tie& % all % $ms an& nat.$al a00$ehensi ns' ma+ #ell $ecei!e in s0i$it' li(e a $es .n&in/ ! ice' the s0i$it.al im0$essi n % the maCest+ % G & in Himsel% an& in His c$eat.$es9 as it ha00ene& t St1 J hn' #h hea$& in s0i$it as it #e$e ,the ! ice % ha$0e$s ha$0in/ n thei$ ha$0s1-1:D St1 J hn hea$& this in s0i$it? it #as n t mate$ial ha$0s that he hea$&' ".t a ce$tain (n #le&/e that he ha& % the 0$aises % the "lesse&' #hich e!e$+ ne % them' each in his #n &e/$ee % /l $+' is c ntin.all+ sin/in/ "e% $e G &1 It is as it #e$e m.sic1 F $ as e!e$+ ne % the saints ha& the /i%ts % G & in a &i%%e$ent #a+' s e!e$+ ne % them sin/s His 0$aises in a &i%%e$ent #a+' an& +et all ha$m ni4e in ne c nce$t % l !e' as in m.sic1 D1 In the same #a+' in this t$an7.il c ntem0lati n' the s .l "eh l&s all c$eat.$es' n t nl+ the hi/hest' ".t the l #est als ' each ne acc $&in/ t the /i%t % G & t it' sen&in/ % $th the ! ice % its #itness t #hat G & is1 It "eh l&s each ne ma/ni%+in/ Him in its #n #a+' an& 0 ssessin/ Him acc $&in/ t its 0a$tic.la$ ca0acit+9 an& th.s all these ! ices t /ethe$ .nite in ne st$ain in 0$aise % G &Ls /$eatness' #is& m' an& ma$!el .s (n #le&/e1 This is the meanin/ % th se # $&s % the H l+ S0i$it in the B ( % )is& m? ,The S0i$it % .$ L $& has $e0lenishe& the #h le # $l&' an& that #hich c ntains all thin/s has the (n #le&/e % the ! ice1-1:> ,The ! ice- is the m.$m.$in/ s lit.&e' #hich the s .l is sai& t (n #' namel+' the #itness #hich all thin/s "ea$ t G &1 Inasm.ch as the s .l hea$s this m.sic nl+ in s lit.&e an& in est$an/ement %$ m all .t#a$& thin/s' it calls it silent m.sic an& m.$m.$in/ s lit.&e1 These a$e the Bel !e&1 8#he su""er whi h revives, and enkindles love.9 >1 L !e$s %in& $ec$eati n' satis%acti n' an& l !e in %easts1 An& "eca.se the Bel !e& in this s#eet c mm.nicati n 0$ &.ces these th$ee e%%ects in the s .l' He is he$e sai& t "e the s.00e$ that $e!i!es' an& en(in&les l !e1 In H l+ Sc$i0t.$e s.00e$ si/ni%ies the &i!ine !isi n' % $ as s.00e$ is the c ncl.si n % the &a+Ls la" $s' an& the "e/innin/ % the
1:D Re!1 1:?* 1:> )is&1 1?D
1B
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
ni/htLs $e0 se' s the s .l in this t$an7.il (n #le&/e is ma&e t %eel that its t$ials a$e !e$' the 0 ssessi n % / & "e/.n' an& its l !e % G & inc$ease&1 Hence' then' the Bel !e& is t the s .l the s.00e$ that $e!i!es' in "ein/ the en& % its t$ials' an& that en(in&les l !e' in "ein/ the "e/innin/ % the %$.iti n % all / &1 A G1 That #e ma+ see m $e clea$l+ h # the B$i&e/$ m is the s.00e$ % the s .l' #e m.st $e%e$ t th se # $&s % the Bel !e& in the Re!elati n? ,Beh l&' I stan& at the & $ an& (n c(1 I% an+ man shall hea$ M+ ! ice' an& 0en t Me the /ate' I #ill ente$ int him' an& #ill s.0 #ith him' an& he #ith Me1- 1:G It is e!i&ent %$ m these # $&s that He "$in/s the s.00e$ #ith Him' #hich is n thin/ else ".t His #n s#eetness an& &eli/hts' #he$ein He $eC ices Himsel%' an& #hich He' .nitin/ Himsel% t the s .l' c mm.nicates t it' ma(in/ it a 0a$ta(e$ % His C +? % $ this is the meanin/ % ,I #ill s.0 #ith him' an& he #ith Me1- These # $&s &esc$i"e the e%%ect % the &i!ine .ni n % the s .l #ith G &' #he$ein it sha$es the !e$+ / &s % G & Himsel%' )h c mm.nicates them /$aci .sl+ an& a".n&antl+ t it1 Th.s the Bel !e& is Himsel% the s.00e$ #hich $e!i!es' an& en(in&les l !e' $e%$eshin/ the s .l #ith His a".n&ance' an& en(in&lin/ its l !e in His /$aci .sness1 1B1 B.t "e% $e I 0$ cee& t e50lain the stan4as #hich % ll #' I m.st "se$!e that' in the state % "et$ thal' #he$ein the s .l enC +s this t$an7.illit+' an& #he$ein it $ecei!es all that it can $ecei!e in this li%e' #e a$e n t t s.00 se its t$an7.illit+ t "e 0e$%ect' ".t that the hi/he$ 0a$t % it is t$an7.il9 % $ the sens.al 0a$t' e5ce0t in the state % s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' ne!e$ l ses all its im0e$%ect ha"its' an& its 0 #e$s a$e ne!e$ #h ll+ s."&.e&' as I shall sh # he$ea%te$11AB )hat the s .l $ecei!es n # is all that it can $ecei!e in the state % "et$ thal' % $ in that % the ma$$ia/e the "lessin/s a$e /$eate$1 Th ./h the "$i&eJ s .l has /$eat C + in these !isits % the Bel !e& in the state % "et$ thal' still it has t s.%%e$ %$ m His a"sence' t en&.$e t$ ."le an& a%%licti ns in the l #e$ 0a$t' an& at the han&s % the &e!il1 B.t all this ceases in the state % s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e1 NOTE THE "$i&e n # in 0 ssessi n % the !i$t.es in thei$ 0e$%ecti n' #he$e"+ she is $&ina$il+ $eC icin/ in 0eace #hen the Bel !e& !isits he$' is n # an& then in the %$.iti n % the %$a/$ance an& s#eetness % th se !i$t.es in the hi/hest &e/$ee' "eca.se the Bel !e& t .ches them #ithin he$' C.st as the s#eetness an& "ea.t+ % the lilies an& the$ %l #e$s #hen in thei$ "l m a$e 0e$cei!e& #hen #e han&le them1 F $ in man+ % these !isits the s .l &isce$ns #ithin itsel% all its !i$t.es #hich G & has /i!en it9 He she&&in/ li/ht .0 n them1 The s .l n #' #ith ma$!el .s C + an& s#eetness % l !e' "in&s them t /ethe$ an& 0$esents them t the Bel !e& as a n se/a+ % "ea.ti%.l %l #e$s' an& the Bel !e& in acce0tin/ them3% $ He t$.l+ acce0ts them then3acce0ts the$e"+ a /$eat se$!ice1 All this ta(es 0lace #ithin the s .l' %eelin/ that the Bel !e& is #ithin it as n His #n c .ch' % $ the s .l 0$esents itsel% #ith the !i$t.es #hich is the /$eatest se$!ice it can $en&e$ Him' an& th.s this is ne % the /$eatest C +s #hich in its inte$i $ c n!e$sati n #ith G & the s .l is # nt t $ecei!e in 0$esents % this (in& ma&e t the Bel !e&1 *1 The &e!il' "eh l&in/ this 0$ s0e$it+ % the s .l' an& in his /$eat malice en!+in/ all
1:G Re!1 6?*B 1AB Stan4a 55!i1
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
the / & he sees in it' n # .ses all his 0 #e$' an& has $ec .$se t all his &e!ices' in $&e$ t th#a$t it' i% 0 ssi"le' e!en in the sli/htest &e/$ee1 He thin(s it % m $e c nse7.ence t (ee0 "ac( the s .l' e!en % $ an instant' %$ m this a".n&ance' "liss' an& &eli/ht' than t ma(e the$s %all int man+ an& m $tal sins1 Othe$ s .ls ha!e little $ n thin/ t l se' #hile this s .l has m.ch' ha!in/ /aine& man+ an& /$eat t$eas.$es9 % $ the l ss % ne /$ain % $e%ine& / l& is /$eate$ than the l ss % man+ % the "ase$ metals1 61 The &e!il he$e has $ec .$se t the sens.al a00etites' th ./h n # the+ can /i!e him /ene$all+ ".t little $ n hel0 "eca.se the+ a$e m $ti%ie&' an& "eca.se he cann t t.$n them t an+ /$eat acc .nt in &ist$actin/ the ima/inati n1 S metimes he sti$s .0 man+ m !ements in the sensiti!e 0a$t % the s .l' an& ca.ses the$ !e5ati ns' s0i$it.al as #ell as sens.al' %$ m #hich the s .l is .na"le t &eli!e$ itsel% .ntil .$ L $& shall sen& His an/el' as it is #$itten' ,The an/el % the L $& shall 0.t in himsel% a" .t them that %ea$ Him' an& shall &eli!e$ them9-1A1 an& s esta"lish 0eace' " th in the s0i$it.al an& sensiti!e 0a$ts % the s .l1 )ith a !ie# t sh # % $th this t$.th' an& t as( this %a! $' the s .l' a00$ehensi!e "+ e50e$ience % the c$a%t #hich the &e!il ma(es .se % t th#a$t this / &' a&&$essin/ itsel% t the an/els' #h se %.ncti n it is t s.cc $ it at this time "+ 0.ttin/ the e!il s0i$its t %li/ht' s0ea(s as in the % ll #in/ stan4a?
1B
1A
1A1 Ps1 66?>
STANZA XVI
A 'at h us the fo/es, ,or our vineyard has flourished! While of roses We make a nosegay, And let no one a""ear on the hill. THE s .l' an5i .s that this inte$i $ &eli/ht % l !e' #hich is the %l #e$s % the !ine+a$&' sh .l& n t "e inte$$.0te&' eithe$ "+ en!i .s an& malici .s &e!ils' $ the $a/in/ &esi$es % sens.alit+' $ the !a$i .s c min/s an& / in/s % the ima/inati n' $ an+ the$ c nsci .sness $ 0$esence % c$eate& thin/s' calls .0 n the an/els t sei4e an& hin&e$ all these %$ m inte$$.0tin/ its 0$actice % inte$i $ l !e' in the C + an& s#eetness % #hich the s .l an& the S n % G & c mm.nicate an& &eli/ht in the !i$t.es an& /$aces1 8'at h us the fo/es, for our vineyard has flourished.9 *B *1 The !ine+a$& is the 0lantati n in this h l+ s .l % all the !i$t.es #hich ministe$ t it the #ine % s#eet taste1 The !ine+a$& % the s .l is then %l .$ishin/ #hen it is .nite& in #ill t the B$i&e/$ m' an& &eli/hts itsel% in Him in all the !i$t.es1 S metimes' as I ha!e C.st sai&' the mem $+ an& the %anc+ a$e assaile& "+ !a$i .s % $ms an& ima/inin/s' an& &i!e$se m ti ns an& &esi$es t$ ."le the sens.al 0a$t1 The /$eat !a$iet+ an& &i!e$sit+ % these ma&e Da!i& sa+' #hen he %elt the inc n!enience an& the t$ ."le % them as he #as &$in(in/ % the s#eet #ine % the s0i$it' thi$stin/ /$eatl+ a%te$ G &? ,F $ 2 . m+ s .l has thi$ste&' % $ 2 . m+ %lesh' O h # man+ #a+s1-1A* 61 He$e the s .l calls the #h le t$ 0 % &esi$es an& sti$$in/s % sense' % 5es' "eca.se % the /$eat $esem"lance "et#een them at this time1 As % 5es 0$eten& t "e aslee0 that the+ ma+ 0 .nce .0 n thei$ 0$e+ #hen it c mes in thei$ #a+' s all the &esi$es an& 0 #e$s % sense in the s .l a$e aslee0 .ntil the %l #e$s % !i$t.e /$ #' %l .$ish' an& "l m1 Then the &esi$es an& 0 #e$s % sense a#a(e t $esist the S0i$it an& & minee$1 ,The %lesh l.sts a/ainst the s0i$it'-1A6 an& as the inclinati n % it is t #a$&s the sens.al &esi$es' it is &is/.ste& as s n as it tastes % the S0i$it' an& he$ein the &esi$es 0$ !e e5t$emel+ t$ ."les me t s0i$it.al s#eetness1 8'at h us the fo/es.9 :B :1 The e!il s0i$its n # m lest the s .l in t# #a+s1 The+ !ehementl+ e5cite the &esi$es' an& em0l + them #ith the$ ima/inati ns t assail the 0eace%.l an& %l .$ishin/ (in/& m % the s .l1 Then3an& this is m.ch # $se3#hen the+ & n t s.ccee& in sti$$in/ .0 the &esi$es' the+ assail the s .l #ith " &il+ 0ains an& n ises in $&e$ t &ist$act it1 An&' #hat is still m $e se$i .s' the+ %i/ht #ith s0i$it.al h $$ $ an& &$ea&' an& s metimes #ith %ea$%.l t $ments' #hich' at this time' i% G & 0e$mits them' the+ can m st e%%ect.all+ "$in/ a" .t' % $ inasm.ch as the s .l is n # s0i$it.all+ &etache&' s as t 0e$% $m its s0i$it.al e5e$cises' the &e!il "ein/ himsel% a s0i$it 0$esents himsel% "e% $e
1A* Ps1 @*?* 1A6 Gal1 A?1D
1B
1A
*A
6B
6A
:A
it #ith /$eat ease1 A1 At the$ times the e!il s0i$it assails the s .l #ith the$ h $$ $s' "e% $e it "e/ins t ha!e the %$.iti n % the s#eet %l #e$s' #hen G & is "e/innin/ t &$a# it % $th .t % the h .se % sense that it ma+ ente$ n the inte$i $ e5e$cises in the /a$&en % the B$i&e/$ m' % $ he (n #s #ell that nce ente$e& int this state % $ec llecti n it is the$e s 0$ tecte& that' n t#ithstan&in/ all he can & ' he cann t h.$t it1 <e$+ %ten' t ' #hen the &e!il / es % $th t meet the s .l' the s .l "ec mes 7.ic(l+ $ec llecte& in the sec$et &e0ths % its inte$i $' #he$e it %in&s /$eat s#eetness an& 0$ tecti n9 then th se te$$ $s % Satan a$e s %a$ %% that the+ n t nl+ 0$ &.ce n %ea$' ".t a$e e!en the ccasi n % 0eace an& C +1 The "$i&e' in the Canticle' s0ea(s % these te$$ $s' sa+in/' ,M+ s .l t$ ."le& me % $ the cha$i ts % Amina&a"1-1A: Amina&a" is the e!il s0i$it' an& his cha$i ts a$e his assa.lts .0 n the s .l' #hich he ma(es #ith /$eat !i lence' n ise' an& c n%.si n1 @1 The "$i&e als sa+s #hat the s .l sa+s he$e' namel+? ,Catch .s the little % 5es that &est$ + the !ine+a$&s9 % $ .$ !ine+a$& has %l .$ishe&1-1AA She & es n t sa+' ,Catch me".t ,Catch .s'- "eca.se she is s0ea(in/ % he$sel% an& the Bel !e&9 % $ the+ a$e ne' an& enC + the %l .$ishin/ % the !ine+a$& t /ethe$1 *B D1 The $eas n #h+ the !ine+a$& is sai& t "e %l .$ishin/ an& n t "ea$in/ %$.it is this? the s .l in this li%e has the %$.iti n % !i$t.es' h #e!e$ 0e$%ect the+ ma+ "e' nl+ in thei$ %l #e$' "eca.se the %$.it % them is $ese$!e& % $ the li%e t c me1 *A 8While of roses we make a nosegay.9 >1 N #' at this time' #hile the s .l is $eC icin/ in the %l .$ishin/ % the !ine+a$&' an& &eli/htin/ itsel% in the " s m % the Bel !e&' all its !i$t.es a$e 0e$%ect' e5hi"itin/ themsel!es t the s .l' an& sen&in/ % $th /$eat s#eetness an& &eli/ht1 The s .l %eels them t "e in itsel% an& in G & s as t seem t "e ne !ine+a$& m st %l .$ishin/ an& 0leasin/ "el n/in/ t " th' #he$ein the+ %ee& an& &eli/ht1 Then the s .l "in&s all its !i$t.es t /ethe$' ma(es acts % l !e in each % them se0a$atel+' an& in all t /ethe$' an& then %%e$s them all t the Bel !e&' #ith /$eat ten&e$ness % l !e an& s#eetness' an& in this the Bel !e& hel0s it' % $ #ith .t His hel0 an& %a! $ it cann t ma(e this .ni n an& "lati n % !i$t.e t the Bel !e&1 Hence it sa+s' ,)e ma(e a n se/a+-3that is ,the Bel !e& an& m+sel%1G1 This .ni n % the !i$t.es is calle& a n se/a+9 % $ as a n se/a+ is c neJli(e in % $m' an& a c ne is st$ n/' c ntainin/ an& em"$acin/ man+ 0ieces %i$ml+ C ine& t /ethe$' s this c neJli(e n se/a+ % the !i$t.es #hich the s .l ma(es % $ the Bel !e& is the .ni% $m 0e$%ecti n % the s .l #hich %i$ml+ an& s li&l+ c ntains an& em"$aces man+ 0e$%ecti ns' /$eat !i$t.es' an& $ich en& #ments9 % $ all the 0e$%ecti ns an& !i$t.es % the s .l .nite t /ethe$ t % $m ".t ne1 An& #hile this 0e$%ecti n is "ein/ acc m0lishe&' an& #hen acc m0lishe&' %%e$e& t the Bel !e& n the 0a$t % the s .l' it "ec mes necessa$+ t catch the % 5es that the+ ma+ n t hin&e$ this m.t.al inte$i $ c mm.nicati n1 The s .l 0$a+s n t nl+ that this n se/a+ ma+ "e ca$e%.ll+ ma&e' ".t
1A: Cant1 @?11 1AA Cant1 *?1A
1B
1A
6B
6A
:B
:A
als a&&s' ,An& let n
ne a00ea$ n the hill1-
1B1 This &i!ine inte$i $ e5e$cise $e7.i$es s lit.&e an& &etachment %$ m all thin/s' #hethe$ in the l #e$ 0a$t % the s .l' #hich is that % sense' $ in the hi/he$' #hich is the $ati nal1 These t# &i!isi ns c m0$ise all the %ac.lties an& senses % man' an& a$e he$e calle& the hill9 "eca.se all .$ nat.$al n ti ns an& &esi$es "ein/ in them' as 7.a$$+ n a hill' the &e!il lies in #ait am n/ these n ti ns an& &esi$es' in $&e$ that he ma+ inC.$e the s .l1 8And let no one a""ear on the hill.9 111 That is' let n $e0$esentati n $ ima/e % an+ "Cect #hate!e$' a00e$tainin/ t an+ % these %ac.lties $ senses' a00ea$ in the 0$esence % the s .l an& the B$i&e/$ m? in the$ # $&s' let the s0i$it.al 0 #e$s % the s .l' mem $+' .n&e$stan&in/' an& #ill' "e &i!este& % all n ti ns' 0a$tic.la$ inclinati ns' $ c nsi&e$ati ns #hats e!e$9 an& let all the senses an& %ac.lties % the " &+' inte$i $ as #ell as e5te$i $' the ima/inati n' the %anc+' the si/ht an& hea$in/' an& the $est' "e &i!este& % all ccasi ns % &ist$acti ns' % all % $ms' ima/es' an& $e0$esentati ns' an& % all the$ nat.$al 0e$ati ns1 1*1 The s .l s0ea(s in this #a+ "eca.se it is necessa$+ % $ the 0e$%ect %$.iti n % this c mm.nicati n % G &' that all the senses an& 0 #e$s' " th inte$i $ an& e5te$i $' sh .l& "e &isenc.m"e$e& an& em0tie& % thei$ 0$ 0e$ "Cects an& 0e$ati ns9 % $ the m $e acti!e the+ a$e' the /$eate$ #ill "e the hin&$ance #hich the+ #ill ccasi n1 The s .l ha!in/ attaine& t a ce$tain inte$i $ .ni n % l !e' the s0i$it.al %ac.lties % it a$e n l n/e$ acti!e' an& still less th se % the " &+9 % $ n # that the .ni n % l !e is act.all+ #$ ./ht in l !e' the %ac.lties % the s .l cease %$ m thei$ e5e$ti ns' "eca.se n # that the / al is $eache& all em0l +ment % means is at an en&1 )hat the s .l at this time has t & is t #ait l !in/l+ .0 n G &' an& this #aitin/ is l !e in a c ntin.ati n % .niti!e l !e1 Let n ne' the$e% $e' a00ea$ n the hill' ".t the #ill nl+ #aitin/ n the Bel !e& in the %%e$in/ .0 % sel% an& % all the !i$t.es in the #a+ &esc$i"e&1 NOTE
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
FOR the clea$e$ .n&e$stan&in/ % the % ll #in/ stan4a' #e m.st (ee0 in min& that the a"sence % the Bel !e&' %$ m #hich the s .l s.%%e$s in the state % s0i$it.al "et$ thal' is an e5cee&in/l+ /$eat a%%licti n' an& at times /$eate$ than all the$ t$ials #hate!e$1 The $eas n is this? the l !e % the s .l % $ G & is n # s !ehement an& &ee0 that the 0ain % His a"sence is !ehement an& &ee0 als 1 This 0ain is inc$ease& als "+ the ann +ance #hich c mes %$ m inte$c .$se #ith c$eat.$es' #hich is !e$+ /$eat9 % $ the s .l' .n&e$ the 0$ess.$e % its 7.ic(ene& &esi$e % .ni n #ith G &' %in&s all the$ c n!e$sati n m st 0ain%.l an& &i%%ic.lt t en&.$e1 It is li(e a st ne in its %li/ht t the 0lace #hithe$ it is $a0i&l+ ten&in/9 e!e$+ "stacle it meets #ith ccasi ns a !i lent sh c(1 An& as the s .l has taste& % the s#eetness % the Bel !e&Ls !isits' #hich a$e m $e &esi$a"le than / l& an& all that is "ea.ti%.l' it the$e% $e &$ea&s e!en a m menta$+ a"sence' an& a&&$esses itsel% as % ll #s t a$i&ities' an& t the S0i$it % the B$i&e/$ m?3
STANZA XVII
A O killing north wind, ease( 'ome, south wind, that awakens love( Blow through my garden, And let its odors flow, And the Beloved shall feed among the flowers. BESIDE the ca.ses menti ne& in the % $e/ in/ stan4a' s0i$it.al &$+ness als hin&e$s the %$.iti n % this inte$i $ s#eetness % #hich I ha!e "een s0ea(in/' an& a%$ai& % it the s .l ha& $ec .$se t t# e50e&ients' t #hich it $e%e$s in the 0$esent stan4a1 The %i$st is t sh.t the & $ a/ainst it "+ .nceasin/ 0$a+e$ an& &e! ti n1 The sec n&' t in! (e the H l+ S0i$it9 it is He )h &$i!es a#a+ &$+ness %$ m the s .l' maintains an& inc$eases its l !e % the B$i&e/$ m3that He ma+ esta"lish in it the 0$actice % !i$t.e' an& all this t the en& that the S n % G &' its B$i&e/$ m' ma+ $eC ice an& &eli/ht in it m $e an& m $e' % $ its nl+ aim is t 0lease the Bel !e&1 8:illing north wind, ease.9 *B *1 The n $th #in& is e5cee&in/l+ c l&9 it &$ies .0 an& 0a$ches %l #e$s an& 0lants' an& at the least' #hen it "l #s' ca.ses them t &$a# in an& sh$in(1 S ' &$+ness % s0i$it an& the sensi"le a"sence % the Bel !e&' "eca.se the+ 0$ &.ce the same e%%ect n the s .l' e5ha.stin/ the s#eetness an& %$a/$ance % !i$t.e' a$e he$e calle& the (illin/ n $th #in&9 % $ all the !i$t.es an& a%%ecti!e &e! ti ns % the s .l a$e then &ea&1 Hence the s .l a&&$esses itsel% t it' sa+in/' ,Iillin/ n $th #in&' cease1- These # $&s mean that the s .l a00lies itsel% t s0i$it.al e5e$cise' in $&e$ t esca0e a$i&it+1 B.t the c mm.nicati ns % G & a$e n # s inte$i $ that "+ n e5e$ti n % its %ac.lties can the s .l attain t them i% the S0i$it % the B$i&e/$ m & n t ca.se these m !ements % l !e1 The s .l' the$e% $e' a&&$esses Him' sa+in/? 8'ome, south wind, that awakens love.9 6A 61 The s .th #in& is an the$ #in& c mm nl+ calle& the s .thJ#est #in&1 It is s %t' an& "$in/s $ain9 it ma(es the /$ass an& 0lants /$ #' %l #e$s t "l ss m an& scatte$ thei$ 0e$%.me a"$ a&9 in sh $t' it is the !e$+ 00 site in its e%%ects % the n $th #in&1 B+ it is meant he$e the H l+ S0i$it' )h a#a(ens l !e9 % $ #hen this &i!ine B$eath "$eathes n the s .l' it s in%lames an& $e%$eshes it' s 7.ic(ens the #ill' an& sti$s .0 the &esi$es' #hich #e$e "e% $e l # an& aslee0 as t the l !e % G &' that #e ma+ #ell sa+ % it that it 7.ic(ens the l !e "et#een Him an& the s .l1 The 0$a+e$ % the s .l t the H l+ S0i$it is th.s e50$esse&' ,Bl # th$ ./h m+ /a$&en1:1 This /a$&en is the s .l itsel%1 F $ as the s .l sai& % itsel% "e% $e' that it #as a %l .$ishin/ !ine+a$&' "eca.se the %l #e$s % !i$t.e #hich a$e in it /i!e % $th the #ine % s#eetness' s he$e it sa+s % itsel% that it is a /a$&en' "eca.se the %l #e$s % 0e$%ecti n an& the !i$t.es a$e 0lante& in it' %l .$ish' an& /$ #1 A1 O"se$!e' t ' that the e50$essi n is ,"l # th$ ./h m+ /a$&en'- n t "l # in it1 The$e
1B
1A
*A
6B
:B
:A
is a /$eat &i%%e$ence "et#een G &Ls "$eathin/ int the s .l an& th$ ./h it1 T "$eathe int the s .l is t in%.se int it /$aces' /i%ts' an& !i$t.es9 t "$eathe th$ ./h it is' n the 0a$t % G &' t t .ch an& m !e its !i$t.es an& 0e$%ecti ns n # 0 ssesse&' $ene#in/ them an& sti$$in/ them in s.ch a #a+ that the+ sen& % $th thei$ ma$!el .s %$a/$ance an& s#eetness1 Th.s a$ matic s0ices' #hen sha(en $ t .che&' /i!e % $th the a".n&ant & $s #hich a$e n t the$#ise s &istinctl+ 0e$cei!e&1 The s .l is n t al#a+s in the c nsci .s %$.iti n % its ac7.i$e& an& in%.se& !i$t.es' "eca.se' in this li%e' the+ a$e li(e %l #e$s in see&' $ in ".&' $ li(e a$ matic s0ices c !e$e& !e$' the 0e$%.me % #hich is n t 0e$cei!e& till the+ a$e e50 se& an& sha(en1 @1 B.t G & s metimes is s me$ci%.l t the "$i&eJs .l' as3the H l+ S0i$it "$eathin/ mean#hile th$ ./h the %l .$ishin/ /a$&en3t 0en these ".&s % !i$t.e an& e50 se the a$ matic he$"s % the s .lLs /i%ts' 0e$%ecti ns' an& $iches' t mani%est t it its inte$i $ t$eas.$es an& t $e!eal t it all its "ea.t+1 It is then ma$!el .s t "eh l&' an& s#eet t %eel' the a".n&ance % the /i%ts n # $e!eale& in the s .l' an& the "ea.t+ % the %l #e$s % !i$t.e n # %l .$ishin/ in it1 N lan/.a/e can &esc$i"e the %$a/$ance #hich e!e$+ ne % them &i%%.ses' each acc $&in/ t its (in&1 This state % the s .l is $e%e$$e& t in the # $&s' ,Let its & $s %l #1D1 S a".n&ant a$e these & $s at times' that the s .l seems en!el 0e& in &eli/ht an& "athe& in inestima"le "liss1 N t nl+ is it c nsci .s itsel% % them' ".t the+ e!en !e$%l # it' s that th se #h (n # h # t &isce$n these thin/s can 0e$cei!e them1 The s .l in this state seems t them as a &electa"le /a$&en' %.ll % the C +s an& $iches % G &1 This is "se$!a"le in h l+ s .ls' n t nl+ #hen the %l #e$s 0en' ".t alm st al#a+s9 % $ the+ ha!e a ce$tain ai$ % /$an&e.$ an& &i/nit+ #hich ins0i$es the "eh l&e$s #ith a#e an& $e!e$ence' "eca.se % the s.0e$nat.$al e%%ects % thei$ cl se an& %amilia$ c n!e$sati n #ith G &1 )e ha!e an ill.st$ati n % this in the li%e % M ses' the si/ht % #h se %ace the 0e 0le c .l& n t "ea$' "+ $eas n % the /l $+ that $este& .0 n it3the e%%ect % his s0ea(in/ t G & %ace t %ace11A@ >1 )hile the H l+ S0i$it is "$eathin/ th$ ./h the /a$&en3this is His !isitati n % the s .l3the B$i&e/$ m S n % G & c mm.nicates Himsel% t it in a 0$ % .n& #a+' enam $e& % it1 It is % $ this that He sen&s the H l+ S0i$it "e% $e Him3as He sent the A0 stles1AD3t ma(e $ea&+ the cham"e$ % the s .l His "$i&e' c m% $tin/ it #ith &eli/ht' settin/ its /a$&en in $&e$' 0enin/ its %l #e$s' $e!ealin/ its /i%ts' an& a& $nin/ it #ith the ta0est$+ % /$aces1 The "$i&eJs .l l n/s % $ this #ith all its mi/ht' an& the$e% $e "i&s the n $th #in& n t t "l #' an& in! (es the s .th #in& t "l # th$ ./h the /a$&en' "eca.se she /ains m.ch he$e at nce1 G1 The "$i&e n # /ains the %$.iti n % all he$ !i$t.es in thei$ s#eetest e5e$cise1 She /ains the %$.iti n % he$ Bel !e& in them' "eca.se it is th$ ./h them that He c n!e$ses #ith he$ in m st intimate l !e' an& /$ants he$ %a! $s /$eate$ than an+ % the 0ast1 She /ains' t ' that he$ Bel !e& &eli/hts m $e in he$ "eca.se % the act.al e5e$cise % !i$t.e' #hich is #hat 0leases he$ m st' namel+' that he$ Bel !e& sh .l& "e 0lease& #ith he$1 She /ains als the 0e$manent c ntin.ance % the s#eet %$a/$ance #hich $emains in the s .l #hile the B$i&e/$ m is 0$esent' an& the "$i&e ente$tains Him #ith the s#eetness % he$
1A@ E5 &1 6:?6B 1AD L.(e **?>
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
!i$t.es' as it is #$itten? ,)hile the Iin/ #as at His $e0 se'- that is' in the s .l' ,m+ s0i(ena$& sent % $th its & $1-1A> The s0i(ena$& is the s .l' #hich %$ m the %l #e$s % its !i$t.es sen&s % $th s#eet & $s t the Bel !e&' )h &#ells #ithin it in the .ni n % l !e1 A 1B1 It is the$e% $e !e$+ m.ch t "e &esi$e& that e!e$+ s .l sh .l& 0$a+ the H l+ S0i$it t "l # th$ ./h its /a$&en' that the &i!ine & $s % G & ma+ %l #1 An& as this is s necessa$+' s "liss%.l an& 0$ %ita"le t the s .l' the "$i&e &esi$es it' an& 0$a+s % $ it' in the # $&s % the Canticle' sa+in/' ,A$ise' n $th #in&' an& c me' s .th #in&9 "l # th$ ./h m+ /a$&en' an& let the a$ matic s0ices the$e % %l #1- 1AG The s .l 0$a+s % $ this' n t "eca.se % the &eli/ht an& "liss c nse7.ent .0 n it' ".t "eca.se % the &eli/ht it ministe$s t the Bel !e&' an& "eca.se it 0$e0a$es the #a+ an& ann .nces the 0$esence % the S n % G &' )h c mes t $eC ice in it1 Hence the s .l a&&s? 8And my Beloved shall feed among the flowers.9 111 The &eli/ht #hich the S n % G & %in&s n # in the s .l is &esc$i"e& as 0ast.$e1 This # $& e50$esses m st % $ci"l+ the t$.th' "eca.se 0ast.$e n t nl+ /la&&ens' ".t als s.stains1 Th.s the S n % G & &eli/hts in the s .l' in the &eli/hts the$e %' an& is s.staine& in them3that is' He a"i&es #ithin it as in a 0lace #hich 0leases Him e5cee&in/l+' "eca.se the 0lace itsel% $eall+ &eli/hts in Him1 This' I "elie!e' is the meanin/ % th se # $&s $ec $&e& in the 0$ !e$"s % S l m n? ,M+ &eli/hts #e$e t "e #ith the chil&$en % men9-1@B that is' #hen the+ &eli/ht t "e #ith Me' )h am the S n % G &1 1*1 O"se$!e' he$e' that it is n t sai& that the Bel !e& shall %ee& n the %l #e$s' ".t that He shall %ee& am n/ the %l #e$s1 F $' as the c mm.nicati ns % the Bel !e& a$e in the s .l itsel%' th$ ./h the a& $nment % the !i$t.es' it % ll #s that #hat He %ee&s n is the s .l #hich He t$ans% $me& int Himsel%' n # that it is 0$e0a$e& an& a& $ne& #ith these %l #e$s % !i$t.es' /$aces' an& 0e$%ecti ns' #hich a$e the thin/s #he$e"+' an& am n/ #hich' He %ee&s1 These' "+ the 0 #e$ % the H l+ S0i$it' a$e sen&in/ % $th in the s .l the & $s % s#eetness t the S n % G &' that He ma+ %ee& the$e the m $e in the l !e the$e %9 % $ this is the l !e % the B$i&e/$ m' t "e .nite& t the s .l ami& the %$a/$ance % the %l #e$s1 161 The "$i&e in the Canticle has "se$!e& this' % $ she ha& e50e$ience % it' sa+in/? ,M+ Bel !e& is / ne & #n int His /a$&en' t the "e& % a$ matic s0ices' t %ee& in the /a$&ens' an& t /athe$ lilies1 I t m+ Bel !e&' an& m+ Bel !e& t me' )h %ee&s am n/ the lilies1-1@1 That is' ,)h %ee&s an& &eli/hts in m+ s .l' #hich is His /a$&en' am n/ the lilies % m+ !i$t.es' 0e$%ecti ns' an& /$aces1NOTE IN the state % s0i$it.al es0 .sals the s .l c ntem0latin/ its /$eat $iches an& e5cellence'
1A> Cant1 1?11 1AG Cant1 :?1@ 1@B P$ !1 >?61 1@1 Cant1 @?1'*
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
1B
".t .na"le t ente$ int the 0 ssessi n an& %$.iti n % them as it &esi$es' "eca.se it is still in the %lesh' %ten s.%%e$s e5cee&in/l+' an& then m $e 0a$tic.la$l+ #hen its (n #le&/e % them "ec mes m $e 0$ % .n&1 It then sees itsel% in the " &+' li(e a 0$ince in 0$is n' s."Cect t all mise$+' #h se a.th $it+ is &is$e/a$&e&' #h se te$$it $ies an& #ealth a$e c n%iscate&' an& #h % his % $me$ s."stance $ecei!es ".t a mise$a"le & le1 H # /$eatl+ he s.%%e$s an+ ne ma+ see' es0eciall+ #hen his h .seh l& is n l n/e$ "e&ient' an& his sla!es an& se$!ants' % $/ettin/ all $es0ect' 0l.n&e$ him % the scant+ 0$ !isi ns % his ta"le1 Th.s is it #ith the s .l in the " &+' % $ #hen G & me$ci%.ll+ a&mits it t a % $etaste % the / & thin/s #hich He has 0$e0a$e& % $ it' the #ic(e& se$!ants % &esi$e in the sens.al 0a$t' n # a sla!e % &is $&e$l+ m ti ns' n # the$ $e"elli .s m !ements' $ise .0 a/ainst it in $&e$ t $ " it % its / &1 *1 The s .l %eels itsel% as i% it #e$e in the lan& % enemies' t+$anni4e& !e$ "+ the st$an/e$' li(e the &ea& am n/ the &ea&1 Its %eelin/s a$e th se #hich the 0$ 0het Ba$.ch /a!e !ent t #hen he &esc$i"e& the mise$+ % Jac "Ls ca0ti!it+? ,H # ha00ens it' O Is$ael' that + . a$e in + .$ enemiesL lan&8 2 . ha!e /$ #n l& in a st$an/e c .nt$+' + . a$e &e%ile& #ith the &ea&? + . a$e c .nte& #ith them that / & #n int hell1- 1@* This mise$+ % the s .l' in the ca0ti!it+ % the " &+' is th.s s0 (en % "+ Je$emiah' sa+in/? ,Is Is$ael a " n&man $ a h meJ" $n sla!e8 )h+ then is he "ec me a 0$e+8 The li ns ha!e $ a$e& .0 n him' an& ha!e ma&e a n ise1- 1@6 The li ns a$e the &esi$es an& the $e"elli .s m ti ns % the t+$ant (in/ % sens.alit+1 In $&e$ t e50$ess the t$ ."le #hich this t+$ant ccasi ns' an& the &esi$e % the s .l t see this (in/& m % sens.alit+ #ith all its h sts &est$ +e&' $ #h ll+ s."Cect t the s0i$it' the s .l li%tin/ .0 its e+es t the B$i&e/$ m' as t ne #h can e%%ect it' s0ea(s a/ainst th se $e"elli .s m ti ns in the # $&s % the ne5t stan4a1
1A
*B
*A
1@* Ba$1 6?1B'11 1@6 Je$1 *?1:'1A
STANZA XVIII
A O nym"hs of 4udea( While amid the flowers and the rose5trees #he amber sends forth its "erfume, #arry in the suburbs, And tou h not our thresholds. IT is the "$i&e that s0ea(s9 % $ seein/ he$sel%' as t the hi/he$ 0a$t % the s .l' a& $ne& #ith the $ich en& #ments % he$ Bel !e&' an& seein/ Him &eli/htin/ in he$' she &esi$es t 0$ese$!e he$sel% in sec.$it+' an& in the c ntin.e& %$.iti n % them1 Seein/ als that hin&$ances #ill a$ise' as in %act the+ & ' %$ m the sens.al 0a$t % the s .l' #hich #ill &ist.$" s /$eat a / &' she "i&s the 0e$ati ns an& m ti ns % the s .lLs l #e$ nat.$e t cease' in the senses an& %ac.lties % it' an& sens.alit+ n t t !e$ste0 its " .n&a$ies t t$ ."le an& &is7.iet the hi/he$ an& s0i$it.al 0 $ti n % the s .l? n t t hin&e$ e!en % $ a m ment the s#eetness she enC +s1 The m ti ns % the l #e$ 0a$t' an& thei$ 0 #e$s' i% the+ sh # themsel!es &.$in/ the enC +ment % the s0i$it' a$e s m.ch m $e t$ ."les me an& &ist.$"in/' the m $e acti!e the+ a$e1 8O nym"hs of 4udea.9 *1 The l #e$' that is the sens.al 0a$t % the s .l' is calle& J.&ea1 It is calle& J.&ea "eca.se it is #ea(' an& ca$nal' an& "lin&' li(e the Je#ish 0e 0le1 All the ima/inati ns' %ancies' m ti ns' an& inclinati ns % the l #e$ 0a$t % the s .l a$e calle& n+m0hs' % $ as n+m0hs #ith thei$ "ea.t+ an& att$acti ns entice men t l !e them' s the 0e$ati ns an& m ti ns % sens.alit+ s %tl+ an& ea$nestl+ st$i!e t entice the #ill %$ m the $ati nal 0a$t' in $&e$ t #ith&$a# it %$ m that #hich is inte$i $' an& t %i5 it n that #hich is e5te$i $' t #hich the+ a$e 0$ ne themsel!es1 The+ als st$i!e t in%l.ence the .n&e$stan&in/ t C in #ith them in thei$ l # !ie#s' an& t "$in/ & #n $eas n t the le!el % sense "+ the att$acti ns % the latte$1 The s .l' the$e% $e' sa+s in e%%ect? ,O sens.al 0e$ati ns an& m ti ns18While amid the flowers and the rose5trees.9 6A 61 The %l #e$s' as I ha!e sai&' a$e the !i$t.es % the s .l' an& the $ seJt$ees a$e its 0 #e$s' mem $+' .n&e$stan&in/' an& #ill' #hich 0$ &.ce an& n.$t.$e the %l #e$s % &i!ine c nce0ti ns' acts % l !e an& the !i$t.es' #hile the am"e$ sen&s % $th its 0e$%.me in the !i$t.es an& 0 #e$s % the s .l1 :B 8#he amber sends forth its "erfume.9 :1 The am"e$ is the &i!ine s0i$it % the B$i&e/$ m )h &#ells in the s .l1 T sen& % $th the 0e$%.me am n/ the %l #e$s an& the $ seJt$ees' is t &i%%.se an& c mm.nicate Himsel% m st s#eetl+ in the 0 #e$s an& !i$t.es % the s .l' the$e"+ %illin/ it #ith the 0e$%.me % &i!ine s#eetness1 Mean#hile' then' #hen the Di!ine S0i$it is %illin/ m+ s .l #ith s0i$it.al s#eetness'
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
:A
8#arry in the suburbs.9 A1 In the s.".$"s % J.&ea' #hich is the in%e$i $ $ sens.al 0a$t % the s .l1 The s.".$"s a$e the inte$i $ senses' namel+' mem $+' %anc+' an& ima/inati n' #he$e % $ms an& ima/es % thin/s c llect' "+ the hel0 % #hich sens.alit+ sti$s .0 c nc.0iscence an& &esi$es1 These % $ms a$e the n+m0hs' an& #hile the+ a$e 7.iet an& t$an7.il the &esi$es a$e als aslee01 The+ ente$ int the s.".$"s % the inte$i $ senses "+ the /ates % the .t#a$& senses' % si/ht' hea$in/' smell' etc1 )e can th.s /i!e the name % s.".$"s t all the 0 #e$s an& inte$i $ $ e5te$i $ senses % the sens.al 0a$t % the s .l' "eca.se the+ a$e .tsi&e the #alls % the cit+1 @1 That 0a$t % the s .l #hich ma+ "e calle& the cit+ is that #hich is m st inte$i $' the $ati nal 0a$t' #hich is ca0a"le % c n!e$sati n #ith G &' the 0e$ati ns % #hich a$e c nt$a$+ t th se % sens.alit+1 B.t the$e is a nat.$al inte$c .$se "et#een th se #h &#ell in the s.".$"s % the sens.al 0a$t3that is' the n+m0hs3an& th se #h &#ell in the hi/he$ 0a$t' #hich is the cit+ itsel%9 an&' the$e% $e' #hat ta(es 0lace in the l #e$ 0a$t is $&ina$il+ %elt in the hi/he$' an& c nse7.entl+ c m0els attenti n t itsel% an& &ist.$"s the s0i$it.al 0e$ati n #hich is c n!e$sant #ith G &1 Hence the s .l "i&s the n+m0hs ta$$+ in the s.".$"s3that is' t $emain at $est in the e5te$i $ an& inte$i $ senses % the sens.al 0a$t' 8And tou h not our thresholds.9 *A D1 Let n t e!en + .$ %i$st m !ements t .ch the hi/he$ 0a$t' % $ the %i$st m !ements % the s .l a$e the ent$ance an& th$esh l&s % it1 )hen the %i$st m !ements ha!e 0asse& int the $eas n' the+ ha!e c$ sse& the th$esh l&' ".t #hen the+ $emain as %i$st m !ements nl+ the+ a$e then sai& me$el+ t t .ch the th$esh l&' $ t c$+ at the /ate' #hich is the case #hen $eas n an& sense c nten& !e$ an .n$eas na"le act1 The s .l he$e n t nl+ "i&s these n t t t .ch it' ".t als cha$/es all c nsi&e$ati ns #hate!e$ #hich & n t ministe$ t its $e0 se an& the / & it enC +s t (ee0 %a$ a#a+1 NOTE 6A THE s .l in this state is "ec me s /$eat an enem+ % the l #e$ 0a$t' an& its 0e$ati ns' that it # .l& ha!e G & c mm.nicate n thin/ t it #hen He c mm.nicates #ith the hi/he$1 I% He #ill c mm.nicate #ith the l #e$' it m.st "e in a sli/ht &e/$ee' $ the s .l' "eca.se % its nat.$al #ea(ness' #ill "e .na"le t en&.$e it #ith .t %aintin/' an& c nse7.entl+ the s0i$it cann t $eC ice in 0eace' "eca.se it is then t$ ."le&1 ,F $'- as the #ise man sa+s' ,the " &+ that is c $$.0te& ".$&ens the s .l1-1@: An& as the s .l l n/s % $ the hi/hest an& n "lest c n!e$sati n #ith G &' #hich is im0 ssi"le in the c m0an+ % the sens.al 0a$t' it "e/s % G & t &eal #ith it #ith .t the inte$!enti n % the senses1 That s."lime !isi n % St1 Pa.l in the thi$& hea!en' #he$ein' he sa+s' he sa# G &' ".t +et (ne# n t #hethe$ he #as in the " &+ $ .t % the " &+' m.st ha!e "een' "e it #hat it ma+' in&e0en&ent % the " &+? % $ i% the " &+ ha& an+ sha$e in it' he m.st ha!e (n #n it' an& the !isi n c .l& n t ha!e "een #hat it #as' seein/ that he ,hea$& sec$et # $&s #hich it is n t la#%.l % $ a man t s0ea(1- 1@A The s .l' the$e% $e' (n #in/ #ell that
1@: )is&1 G?1A 1@A * C $1 1*?*J:
1B
1A
*B
6B
:B
:A
/$aces s /$eat cann t "e $ecei!e& in a !essel s mean' an& l n/in/ t $ecei!e them .t % the " &+'3 $ at least #ith .t it' a&&$esses the B$i&e/$ m in the # $&s that % ll #?
Stan4a EIE
D>
STANZA XIX
A Hide yourself, O my Beloved( #urn Your fa e to the mountains, 2o not s"eak, But regard the om"anions Of her who is traveling amidst strange islands. HERE the "$i&e 0$esents % .$ 0etiti ns t the B$i&e/$ m1 She 0$a+s that He # .l& "e 0lease& t c n!e$se #ith he$ m st inte$i $l+ in the sec$et cham"e$ % the s .l1 The sec n&' that He # .l& in!est an& in% $m he$ %ac.lties #ith the /l $+ an& e5cellence % His Di!init+1 The thi$&' that He # .l& c n!e$se #ith he$ s 0$ % .n&l+ as t s.$0ass all (n #le&/e an& e50$essi n' an& in s.ch a #a+ that the e5te$i $ an& sens.al 0a$t ma+ n t 0e$cei!e it1 The % .$th' that He # .l& l !e the man+ !i$t.es an& /$aces #hich He has im0lante& in he$' a& $ne& #ith #hich she is ascen&in/ .0#a$&s t G & in the hi/hest (n #le&/e % the Di!init+' an& in t$ans0 $ts % l !e m st st$an/e an& sin/.la$' s.$0assin/ th se % $&ina$+ e50e$ience1 8Hide Yourself, O my Beloved(9 *1 ,O m+ B$i&e/$ m' m st "el !e&' hi&e 2 .$sel% in the inm st &e0ths % m+ s .l' c mm.nicatin/ 2 .$sel% t it in sec$et' an& mani%estin/ 2 .$ hi&&en # n&e$s #hich n m $tal e+es ma+ see1 *A 8#urn Your fa e to the mountains.9 61 The %ace % G & is His &i!init+1 The m .ntains a$e the 0 #e$s % the s .l' mem $+' .n&e$stan&in/' an& #ill1 Th.s the meanin/ % these # $&s is? Enli/hten m+ .n&e$stan&in/ #ith 2 .$ Di!init+' an& /i!e it the &i!ine intelli/ence' %ill m+ #ill #ith &i!ine l !e' an& m+ mem $+ #ith &i!ine 0 ssessi n % /l $+1 The "$i&e he$e 0$a+s % $ all that ma+ "e 0$a+e& % $9 % $ she is n t c ntent #ith that (n #le&/e % G & nce /$ante& t M ses1@@3the (n #le&/e % Him "+ His # $(s3% $ she 0$a+s t see the %ace % G &' #hich is the essential c mm.nicati n % His Di!init+ t the s .l' #ith .t an+ inte$!enin/ me&i.m' "+ a ce$tain (n #le&/e the$e % in the Di!init+1 This is s methin/ "e+ n& sense' an& &i!este& % acci&ents' inasm.ch as it is the c ntact % 0.$e s."stances 3that is' % the s .l an& the Di!init+1 82o not s"eak.9 :B :1 That is' & n t s0ea( as "e% $e' #hen 2 .$ c n!e$sati n #ith me #as (n #n t the .t#a$& senses' % $ it #as nce s.ch as t "e c m0$ehen&e& "+ them9 it #as n t s 0$ % .n& ".t the+ c .l& %ath m it1 N # let 2 .$ c n!e$sati n #ith me "e s &ee0 an& s s."stantial' an& s inte$i $' as t "e a" !e the $each % the senses9 % $ the s."stance % the s0i$it is inc mm.nica"le t sense' an& the c mm.nicati n ma&e th$ ./h the senses' es0eciall+ in this li%e' cann t "e 0.$el+ s0i$it.al' "eca.se the senses a$e n t ca0a"le % it1 The s .l' the$e% $e' l n/in/ % $ that s."stantial an& essential
1@@ E5 &1 66?*6
1B
1A
*B
6B
6A
:A
Stan4a EIE
DG
c mm.nicati n % G &' % #hich sense cann t "e c /ni4ant' 0$a+s the B$i&e/$ m n t t s0ea(? that is t sa+' let the &ee0 sec$et % the s0i$it.al .ni n "e s.ch as t esca0e the n tice % the senses' li(e the sec$et #hich St1 Pa.l hea$&' an& #hich it is n t la#%.l % $ a man t s0ea(11@D A 8But regard the om"anions.9 A1 The $e/a$& % G & is l !e an& /$ace1 The c m0ani ns he$e a$e the man+ !i$t.es % the s .l' its /i%ts' 0e$%ecti ns' an& the$ s0i$it.al /$aces #ith #hich G & has en& #e& it9 0le&/es' t (ens' an& 0$esents % its "et$ thal1 Th.s the meanin/ % the # $&s seems t "e this? ,T.$n 2 .$ %ace t the inte$i $ % m+ s .l' O m+ Bel !e&9 "e enam $e& % the t$eas.$es #hich 2 . ha!e lai& .0 the$e' s that' enam $e& % them' 2 . ma+ hi&e 2 .$sel% am n/ them an& the$e &#ell9 % $ in t$.th' th ./h the+ a$e 2 .$s' the+ a$e mine als ' "eca.se 2 . ha!e /i!en them18Of her who travels amidst strange islands.9 @1 That is' ,O% m+ s .l ten&in/ t #a$&s 2 . th$ ./h st$an/e (n #le&/e % 2 .' "+ st$an/e #a+s-3st$an/e t sense an& t the $&ina$+ 0e$ce0ti ns % nat.$e1 It is as i% the "$i&e sai&' "+ #a+ % c nst$ainin/ Him t +iel&? ,Seein/ that m+ s .l is ten&in/ t #a$&s 2 . th$ ./h (n #le&/e #hich is s0i$it.al' st$an/e' .n(n #n t sense' als c mm.nicate 2 .$sel% t it s inte$i $l+ an& s 0$ % .n&l+ that the senses ma+ n t "se$!e it1NOTE IN $&e$ t the attainment % a state % 0e$%ecti n s hi/h as this % the s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' the s .l that aims at it m.st n t nl+ "e 0.$i%ie& an& cleanse& %$ m all the im0e$%ecti ns' $e"elli ns' an& im0e$%ect ha"its % the in%e$i $ 0a$t' #hich is n #3the l& man "ein/ 0.t a#a+3s."Cect an& "e&ient t the hi/he$' ".t it m.st als ha!e /$eat c .$a/e an& m st e5alte& l !e % $ s st$ n/ an& cl se an em"$ace % G &1 F $ in this state the s .l n t nl+ attains t e5cee&in/ 0.$eness an& "ea.t+' ".t als ac7.i$es a te$$i"le st$en/th "+ $eas n % that st$ict an& cl se " n& #hich in this .ni n "in&s it t G &1 The s .l' the$e% $e' in $&e$ t $each this state m.st ha!e 0.$it+' st$en/th' an& a&e7.ate l !e1 The H l+ S0i$it' the a.th $ % this s0i$it.al .ni n' &esi$ .s that the s .l sh .l& attain th.s %a$ in $&e$ t me$it it' a&&$esses Himsel% t the Fathe$ an& the S n' sa+in/? ,O.$ siste$ is little' an& has n "$easts1 )hat shall #e & t .$ siste$ in the &a+ #hen she is t "e s0 (en t 8 I% she is a #all' let .s ".il& .0 n it ".l#a$(s % sil!e$9 i% she is a & $' let .s C in it t /ethe$ #ith " a$&s % ce&a$1-1@> *1 The ,".l#a$(s % sil!e$- a$e the st$ n/ he$ ic !i$t.es c m0$ise& in the %aith' #hich is si/ni%ie& "+ sil!e$' an& these he$ ic !i$t.es a$e th se % the s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' #hich a$e ".ilt .0 n the s .l' si/ni%ie& "+ the #all' $el+in/ n the st$en/th % #hich' the 0eace%.l B$i&e/$ m $e0 ses .n&ist.$"e& "+ an+ in%i$mities1 The ," a$&s % ce&a$- a$e the a%%ecti ns an& access $ies % this &ee0 l !e #hich is si/ni%ie& "+ the ce&a$Jt$ee' an& this is the l !e % the s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e1 In $&e$ ,t C in it t /ethe$'- that is' t a& $n the
1@D * C $1 1*?: 1@> Cant1 >?>
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
Stan4a EIE
>B
"$i&e' it is necessa$+ she sh .l& "e the & $ % $ the B$i&e/$ m t ente$ th$ ./h' (ee0in/ the & $ % the #ill 0en in a 0e$%ect an& t$.e c nsent % l !e' #hich is the c nsent % the "et$ thal /i!en 0$e!i .s t the s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e1 The "$easts % the "$i&e a$e als this 0e$%ect l !e #hich she m.st ha!e in $&e$ t a00ea$ in the 0$esence % Ch$ist he$ B$i&e/$ m % $ the 0e$%ecti n % s.ch a state1 61 It is #$itten in the Canticle that the "$i&e in he$ l n/in/ % $ this 0$esence imme&iatel+ $e0lie&' sa+in/? ,I am a #all? an& m+ "$easts a$e as a t #e$-3that is' ,M+ s .l is st$ n/' an& m+ l !e m st &ee0-3that He ma+ n t %ail he$ n that /$ .n&1 The "$i&e' t ' ha& e50$esse& as m.ch in the 0$ece&in/ stan4as' .t % the %.llness % he$ l n/in/ % $ the 0e$%ect .ni n an& t$ans% $mati n' an& 0a$tic.la$l+ in the last' #he$ein she set "e% $e the B$i&e/$ m all the !i$t.es' /$aces' an& / & &is0 siti ns #ith #hich she #as a& $ne& "+ Him' an& that #ith the "Cect % ma(in/ Him the 0$is ne$ % he$ l !e1 :1 N # the B$i&e/$ m' t "$in/ this matte$ t a cl se' $e0lies in the t# stan4as that % ll #' #hich &esc$i"e Him as 0e$%ectl+ 0.$i%+in/ the s .l' st$en/thenin/ an& &is0 sin/ it' " th as t its sens.al an& s0i$it.al 0a$t' % $ this state' an& cha$/in/ all $esistance an& $e"elli n' " th % the %lesh an& % the &e!il' t cease' sa+in/?
1B
1A
STANZAS XX, XXI

THE BRIDEGROOM A $ight5winged birds, $ions, fawns, bounding does, 1ountains, valleys, strands, Waters, winds, heat, And the terrors that kee" wat h by night! By the soft lyres And the siren strains, I ad6ure you, $et your fury ease, And tou h not the wall, #hat the bride may slee" in greater se urity. HERE the S n % G &' the B$i&e/$ m' lea&s the "$i&e int the enC +ment % 0eace an& t$an7.illit+ in the c n% $mit+ % he$ l #e$ t he$ hi/he$ nat.$e' 0.$/in/ a#a+ all he$ im0e$%ecti ns' s."Cectin/ the nat.$al 0 #e$s % the s .l t $eas n' an& m $ti%+in/ all he$ &esi$es' as it is e50$esse& in these t# stan4as' the meanin/ % #hich is as % ll #s1 In the %i$st 0lace the B$i&e/$ m a&C.$es an& c mman&s all !ain &ist$acti ns % the %anc+ an& ima/inati n %$ m hence% $th t cease' an& c nt$ ls the i$asci"le an& c nc.0isci"le %ac.lties #hich #e$e 0$e!i .sl+ the s .$ces % s m.ch a%%licti n1 He "$in/s' s %a$ as it is 0 ssi"le in this li%e' the th$ee 0 #e$s % mem $+' .n&e$stan&in/' an& #ill t the 0e$%ecti n % thei$ "Cects' an& then a&C.$es an& c mman&s the % .$ 0assi ns % the s .l' C +' h 0e' /$ie%' an& %ea$' t "e still' an& "i&s them %$ m hence% $th "e m &e$ate an& calm1 *1 All these 0assi ns an& %ac.lties a$e c m0$ehen&e& .n&e$ the e50$essi ns em0l +e& in the %i$st stan4a' the 0e$ati ns % #hich' %.ll % t$ ."le' the B$i&e/$ m s."&.es "+ that /$eat s#eetness' C +' an& c .$a/e #hich the "$i&e enC +s in the s0i$it.al s.$$en&e$ % Himsel% t he$ #hich G & ma(es at this time9 .n&e$ the in%l.ence % #hich' "eca.se G & t$ans% $ms the s .l e%%ect.all+ in Himsel%' all the %ac.lties' &esi$es' an& m !ements % the s .l l se thei$ nat.$al im0e$%ecti n an& "ec me &i!ine1 8$ight5winged birds.9 :B 61 These a$e the &ist$acti ns % the ima/inati n' li/ht an& $a0i& in thei$ %li/ht %$ m ne s."Cect t an the$1 )hen the #ill is t$an7.ill+ enC +in/ the s#eet c n!e$sati n % the Bel !e&' these &ist$acti ns 0$ &.ce #ea$iness' an& in thei$ s#i%t %li/ht 7.ench its C +1 The B$i&e/$ m a&C.$es them "+ the s %t l+$es1 That is' n # that the s#eetness % the s .l is s a".n&ant an& s c ntin. .s that the+ cann t inte$%e$e #ith it' as the+ &i& "e% $e #hen it ha& n t $eache& this state' He a&C.$es them' an& "i&s them cease %$ m thei$ &is7.ietin/ !i lence1 The same e50lanati n is t "e /i!en % the $est % the stan4a1 8$ions, fawns, bounding does.9 :1 B+ the li ns is meant the $a/in/ !i lence % the i$asci"le %ac.lt+' #hich in its acts is
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:A
1B
" l& an& &a$in/ as a li n1 The ,%a#ns an& " .n&in/ & es- a$e the c nc.0isci"le %ac.lt+ 3that is' the 0 #e$ % &esi$e' the 7.alities % #hich a$e t# ' timi&it+ an& $ashness1 Timi&it+ "et$a+s itsel% #hen thin/s & n t t.$n .t acc $&in/ t .$ #ishes' % $ then the min& $eti$es #ithin itsel% &isc .$a/e&' an& in this $es0ect the s .l $esem"les the %a#ns1 F $ as %a#ns ha!e the c nc.0isci"le %ac.lt+ st$ n/e$ than man+ the$ animals' s a$e the+ m $e $eti$in/ an& m $e timi&1 Rashness "et$a+s itsel% #hen #e ha!e .$ #n #a+' % $ the min& is then neithe$ $eti$in/ n $ timi&' ".t &esi$es " l&l+' an& /$ati%ies all its inclinati ns1 This 7.alit+ % $ashness is c m0a$e& t the & es' #h s ea/e$l+ see( #hat the+ &esi$e that the+ n t nl+ $.n' ".t e!en lea0 a%te$ it9 hence the+ a$e &esc$i"e& as " .n&in/ & es1 A1 Th.s the B$i&e/$ m' in a&C.$in/ the li ns' $est$ains the !i lence an& c nt$ ls the %.$+ % $a/e9 in a&C.$in/ the %a#ns' He st$en/thens the c nc.0isci"le %ac.lt+ a/ainst timi&it+ an& i$$es l.ti n9 an& in a&C.$in/ the & es He satis%ies an& s."&.es the &esi$es #hich #e$e $estless "e% $e' lea0in/' li(e &ee$' %$ m ne "Cect t an the$' t satis%+ that c nc.0iscence #hich is n # satis%ie& "+ the s %t l+$es' the s#eetness % #hich it enC +s' an& "+ the si$en st$ains' in the &eli/ht % #hich it $e!els1 @1 B.t the B$i&e/$ m & es n t a&C.$e an/e$ an& c nc.0iscence themsel!es' "eca.se these 0assi ns ne!e$ cease %$ m the s .l3".t thei$ !e5ati ns an& &is $&e$l+ acts' si/ni%ie& "+ the ,li ns' %a#ns' an& " .n&in/ & es'- % $ it is necessa$+ that these &is $&e$l+ acts sh .l& cease in this state1 81ountains, valleys, strands.9
1A
*B
*A D1 These a$e the !ici .s an& &is $&e$l+ acti ns % the th$ee %ac.lties % the s .l3 mem $+' .n&e$stan&in/' an& #ill1 These acti ns a$e &is $&e$l+ an& !ici .s #hen the+ a$e in e5t$emes' $' i% n t in e5t$eme' ten&in/ t ne e5t$eme $ the$1 Th.s the m .ntains si/ni%+ th se acti ns #hich a$e !ici .s in e5cess' m .ntains "ein/ hi/h9 the !alle+s' "ein/ l #' si/ni%+ th se #hich a$e !ici .s in the e5t$eme % &e%ect1 St$an&s' #hich a$e neithe$ hi/h n $ l #' ".t' inasm.ch as the+ a$e n t 0e$%ectl+ le!el' ten& t ne e5t$eme $ the$' si/ni%+ th se acts % the th$ee 0 #e$s % the s .l #hich &e0a$t sli/htl+ in eithe$ &i$ecti n %$ m the t$.e mean an& e7.alit+ % C.stice1 These acti ns' th ./h n t &is $&e$l+ in the e5t$eme' as the+ # .l& "e i% the+ am .nte& t m $tal sin' a$e ne!e$theless &is $&e$l+ in 0a$t' ten&in/ t #a$&s !enial sin $ im0e$%ecti n' h #e!e$ sli/ht that ten&enc+ ma+ "e' in the .n&e$stan&in/' mem $+' an& #ill1 He a&C.$es als all these acti ns #hich &e0a$t %$ m the t$.e mean' an& "i&s them cease "e% $e the s %t l+$es an& the si$en st$ains' #hich s e%%ect.all+ cha$m the 0 #e$s % the s .l as t cc.0+ them c m0letel+ in thei$ t$.e an& 0$ 0e$ %.ncti ns' s that the+ a! i& n t nl+ all e5t$emes' ".t als the sli/htest ten&enc+ t them1 8Waters, winds, heat, and the terrors that kee" wat h by night.9 :A >1 These a$e the a%%ecti ns % the % .$ 0assi ns' /$ie%' h 0e' C +' an& %ea$1 The #ate$s a$e the a%%ecti ns % /$ie% #hich a%%lict the s .l' % $ the+ $.sh int it li(e #ate$1 ,Sa!e me' O G &'- sa+s the Psalmist' ,% $ the #ate$s ha!e c me in e!en t m+ s .l1-1@G The #in&s a$e the a%%ecti ns % h 0e' % $ the+ $.sh % $th li(e #in&' &esi$in/ #hat #hich is n t 0$esent ".t h 0e& % $' as the Psalmist sa+s? ,I 0ene& m+ m .th an& &$e# "$eath?
1@G Ps1 @>?*
6B
6A
:B
"eca.se I l n/e& % $ 2 .$ c mman&ments1-1DB That is' ,I 0ene& the m .th % m+ h 0e' an& &$e# in the #in& % &esi$e' "eca.se I h 0e& an& l n/e& % $ 2 .$ c mman&ments1Heat is the a%%ecti ns % C + #hich' li(e %i$e' in%lame the hea$t' as it is #$itten? ,M+ hea$t #a5e& h t #ithin me9 an& in m+ me&itati n a %i$e shall ".$n-9 1D1 that is' ,#hile I me&itate I shall ha!e C +1G1 The ,te$$ $s that (ee0 #atch "+ ni/ht- a$e the a%%ecti ns % %ea$' #hich in s0i$it.al 0e$s ns #h ha!e n t attaine& t the state % s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e a$e .s.all+ e5cee&in/l+ st$ n/1 The+ c me s metimes %$ m G & #hen He is / in/ t "est # ce$tain /$eat /$aces .0 n s .ls' as I sai& "e% $e9 1D* He is # nt then t %ill the min& #ith &$ea&' t ma(e the %lesh t$em"le an& the senses n.m"' "eca.se nat.$e is n t ma&e st$ n/ an& 0e$%ect an& 0$e0a$e& % $ these /$aces1 The+ c me als at times %$ m the e!il s0i$it' #h ' .t % en!+ an& mali/nit+' #hen he sees a s .l s#eetl+ $ec llecte& in G &' la" $s t &ist.$" its t$an7.illit+ "+ e5citin/ h $$ $ an& &$ea&' in $&e$ t &est$ + s /$eat a "lessin/' an& s metimes .tte$s his th$eats' as it #e$e in the inte$i $ % the s .l1 B.t #hen he %in&s that he cann t 0enet$ate #ithin the s .l' "eca.se it is s $ec llecte&' an& s .nite& #ith G &' he st$i!es at least in the 0$ !ince % sense t 0$ &.ce e5te$i $ &ist$acti ns an& inc nstanc+' sensi"le 0ains an& h $$ $s' i% 0e$chance he ma+ in this #a+ &ist.$" the s .l in the "$i&al cham"e$1 1B1 These a$e calle& te$$ $s % the ni/ht' "eca.se the+ a$e the # $( % e!il s0i$its' an& "eca.se Satan la" $s' "+ the hel0 the$e %' t in! l!e the s .l in &a$(ness' an& t "sc.$e the &i!ine li/ht #he$ein it $eC ices1 These te$$ $s a$e calle& #atche$s' "eca.se the+ a#a(en the s .l an& $ .se it %$ m its s#eet inte$i $ sl.m"e$' an& als "eca.se Satan' thei$ a.th $' is e!e$ n the #atch t 0$ &.ce them1 These te$$ $s st$i(e the s .l % 0e$s ns #h a$e al$ea&+ s0i$it.al' 0assi!el+' an& c me eithe$ %$ m G & $ the e!il s0i$it1 I & n t $e%e$ t tem0 $al $ nat.$al te$$ $s' "eca.se s0i$it.al men a$e n t s."Cect t these' as the+ a$e t th se % #hich I am s0ea(in/1 111 The Bel !e& a&C.$es the a%%ecti ns % these % .$ 0assi ns' c m0els them t cease an& t "e at $est' "eca.se He s.00lies the "$i&e n # #ith % $ce' an& c .$a/e' an& satis%acti n' "+ the s %t l+$es % His s#eetness an& the si$en st$ains % His &eli/ht' s that n t nl+ the+ shall n t & minee$ !e$ the s .l' ".t shall n t ccasi n it an+ &istaste #hate!e$1 S.ch is the /$an&e.$ an& sta"ilit+ % the s .l in this state' that' alth ./h % $me$l+ the #ate$s % /$ie% !e$#helme& it' "eca.se % its #n $ the$ menLs sins3 #hich is #hat s0i$it.al 0e$s ns m st %eel3the c nsi&e$ati n % them n # e5cites neithe$ 0ain n $ ann +ance9 e!en the sensi"le %eelin/ % c m0assi n n l n/e$ e5ists' th ./h the e%%ects % it c ntin.e in 0e$%ecti n1 The #ea(nesses % its !i$t.es a$e n l n/e$ in the s .l' % $ the+ a$e n # c nstant' st$ n/' an& 0e$%ect1 As the an/els 0e$%ectl+ a00$eciate all s $$ #%.l thin/s #ith .t the sense % 0ain' an& 0e$% $m acts % me$c+ #ith .t the sentiment % 0it+' s the s .l in this t$ans% $mati n % l !e1 G &' h #e!e$' &is0enses s metimes' n ce$tain ccasi ns' #ith the s .l in this matte$' all #in/ it t %eel an& s.%%e$' that it ma+ "ec me m $e %e$!ent in l !e' an& /$ # in me$it' $ % $ s me the$ $eas ns' as He &is0ense& #ith His <i$/in M the$' St1 Pa.l' an& the$s1 This' h #e!e$' is n t the $&ina$+ c n&iti n % this state1 1*1 Neithe$ & the &esi$es % h 0e a%%lict the s .l n #' "eca.se' satis%ie& in its .ni n
1DB Ps1 11>?161 1D1 Ps1 6>?: 1D* Stan4a 5iii sect1 :9 5i! sect1 *@1
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
#ith G &' s %a$ as it is 0 ssi"le in this li%e' it has n thin/ % this # $l& t h 0e % $' an& n thin/ s0i$it.al t &esi$e' seein/ that it %eels itsel% t "e %.ll % the $iches % G &' th ./h it ma+ /$ # in cha$it+' an& th.s' #hethe$ li!in/ $ &+in/' it is c n% $me& t the #ill % G &' sa+in/ #ith the sense an& s0i$it' ,2 .$ #ill "e & ne'- %$ee %$ m the !i lence % inclinati n an& &esi$es9 an& acc $&in/l+ e!en its l n/in/ % $ the "eati%ic !isi n is #ith .t 0ain1 161 The a%%ecti ns % C +' als ' #hich #e$e # nt t m !e the s .l #ith m $e $ less !ehemence' a$e n t sensi"l+ &iminishe&9 neithe$ & es thei$ a".n&ance ccasi n an+ s.$0$ise1 The C + % the s .l is n # s a".n&ant that it is li(e the sea' #hich is n t &iminishe& "+ the $i!e$s that %l # .t % it' n $ inc$ease& "+ th se that em0t+ themsel!es int it9 % $ the s .l is n # that % .ntain % #hich .$ L $& sai& that it is ,s0$in/in/ .0 int li%e e!e$lastin/1-1D6 1:1 I ha!e sai& that the s .l $ecei!es n thin/ ne# $ .n.s.al in this state % t$ans% $mati n9 it seems t l se all acci&ental C +' #hich is n t #ithhel& e!en %$ m the /l $i%ie&1 That is' acci&ental C +s an& s#eetness a$e in&ee& n st$an/e$s t this s .l9 in&ee&' th se #hich it $&ina$il+ has cann t "e n.m"e$e&9 +et' % $ all this' as t the s."stantial c mm.nicati n % the s0i$it' the$e is n inc$ease % C +' % $ that #hich ma+ cc.$ ane# the s .l 0 ssesses al$ea&+' an& th.s #hat the s .l has al$ea&+ #ithin itsel% is /$eate$ than an+thin/ that c mes ane#1 Hence' then' #hene!e$ an+ s."Cect % C + an& /la&ness' #hethe$ e5te$i $ $ s0i$it.all+ inte$i $' 0$esents itsel% t the s .l' the s .l imme&iatel+ sta$ts $eC icin/ in the $iches it 0 ssesses al$ea&+ #ithin itsel%' an& the C + it has in them is %a$ /$eate$ than an+ #hich these ne# accessi ns ministe$' "eca.se' in a ce$tain sense' G & is "ec me its 0 ssessi n' )h ' th ./h He &eli/hts in all thin/s' +et in n thin/ s m.ch as in Himsel%' seein/ that He has all / & eminentl+ in Himsel%1 Th.s all accessi ns % C + se$!e t $emin& the s .l that its $eal C + is in its inte$i $ 0 ssessi ns' $athe$ than in these acci&ental ca.ses' "eca.se' as I ha!e sai&' the % $me$ a$e /$eate$ than the latte$1 1A1 It is !e$+ nat.$al % $ the s .l' e!en #hen a 0a$tic.la$ matte$ /i!es it 0leas.$e' that' 0 ssessin/ an the$ % /$eate$ # $th an& /la&ness' it sh .l& $emem"e$ it at nce an& ta(e its 0leas.$e in it1 The acci&ental cha$acte$ % these s0i$it.al accessi ns' an& the ne# im0$essi ns the+ ma(e n the s .l' ma+ "e sai& t "e as n thin/ in c m0a$is n #ith that s."stantial s .$ce #hich it has #ithin itsel%? % $ the s .l #hich has attaine& t the 0e$%ect t$ans% $mati n' an& is %.llJ/$ #n' /$ #s n m $e in this state "+ means % these s0i$it.al accessi ns' as th se s .ls & #h ha!e n t +et a&!ance& s %a$1 It is a ma$!el .s thin/ that the s .l' #hile it $ecei!es n accessi ns % &eli/ht' sh .l& still seem t & s an& als t ha!e "een in 0 ssessi n % them1 The $eas n is that it is al#a+s tastin/ them ane#' "eca.se the+ a$e e!e$ $ene#e&9 an& th.s it seems t "e c ntin.all+ the $eci0ient % ne# accessi ns' #hile it has n nee& % them #hate!e$1 1@1 B.t i% #e s0ea( % that li/ht % /l $+ #hich in this' the s .lLs em"$ace' G & s metimes 0$ &.ces #ithin it' an& #hich is a ce$tain s0i$it.al c mm.ni n #he$ein He ca.ses it t "eh l& an& enC + at the same time the a"+ss % &eli/ht an& $iches #hich He has lai& .0 #ithin it' the$e is n lan/.a/e t e50$ess an+ &e/$ee % it1 As the s.n #hen it shines .0 n the sea ill.mines its /$eat &e0ths' an& $e!eals the 0ea$ls' an& / l&' an& 0$eci .s st nes the$ein' s the &i!ine s.n % the B$i&e/$ m' t.$nin/ t #a$&s the "$i&e' $e!eals in a #a+ the $iches % he$ s .l' s that e!en the an/els "eh l& he$ #ith
1D6 J hn :?1:
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
ama4ement an& sa+? ,)h is she that c mes % $th as the m $nin/ $isin/' %ai$ as the m n' "$i/ht as the s.n' te$$i"le as the a$m+ % a cam0 set in a$$a+1- 1D: This ill.minati n a&&s n thin/ t the /$an&e.$ % the s .l' n t#ithstan&in/ its /$eatness' "eca.se it me$el+ $e!eals that #hich the s .l al$ea&+ 0 ssesse& in $&e$ that it mi/ht $eC ice in it1 A 1D1 Finall+' the te$$ $s that (ee0 #atch "+ ni/ht & n t c me cl se t he$' "eca.se % he$ 0.$eness' c .$a/e' an& c n%i&ent t$.st in G &9 the e!il s0i$its cann t sh$ .& he$ in &a$(ness' n $ ala$m he$ #ith te$$ $s' n $ &ist.$" he$ #ith thei$ !i lent assa.lts1 Th.s n thin/ can a00$ ach he$' n thin/ can m lest he$' % $ she has esca0e& %$ m all c$eate& thin/s an& ente$e& int G &' t the %$.iti n % 0e$%ect 0eace' s#eetness' an& &eli/ht' s %a$ as that is 0 ssi"le in this li%e1 It is t this state that the # $&s % S l m n a$e a00lica"le? ,A sec.$e min& is as it #e$e a c ntin.al %east1- 1DA As in a %east #e ha!e the sa! $ % all meat' an& the s#eetness % all m.sic' s in this %east' #hich the "$i&e (ee0s in the " s m % he$ Bel !e&' the s .l $eC ices in all &eli/ht' an& has the taste % all s#eetness1 All that I ha!e sai&' an& all that ma+ "e sai&' n this s."Cect' #ill al#a+s %all sh $t % that #hich 0asses in the s .l #hich has attaine& t this "lesse& state1 F $ #hen it shall ha!e attaine& t the 0eace % G &' ,#hich'- in the # $&s % the A0 stle' ,s.$0asses all .n&e$stan&in/'-1D@ n &esc$i0ti n % its state is 0 ssi"le1 8By the soft lyres and the siren strains I ad6ure you.9 1>1 The s %t l+$es a$e the s#eetness #hich the B$i&e/$ m c mm.nicates t the s .l in this state' an& "+ #hich He ma(es all its t$ ."les t cease1 As the m.sic % l+$es %ills the s .l #ith s#eetness an& &eli/ht' ca$$ies it $a0t.$ .sl+ .t % itsel%' s that it % $/ets all its #ea$iness an& /$ie%' s in li(e manne$ this s#eetness s a"s $"s the s .l that n thin/ 0ain%.l can $each it1 The B$i&e/$ m sa+s' in s."stance? ,B+ that s#eetness #hich I /i!e + .' let all + .$ "itte$ness cease1- The si$en st$ains a$e the $&ina$+ C +s % the s .l1 These a$e calle& si$en st$ains "eca.se' as it is sai&' the m.sic % the si$ens is s s#eet an& &elici .s that he #h hea$s it is s $a0t an& s ca$$ie& .t % himsel% that he % $/ets e!e$+thin/1 In the same #a+ the s .l is s a"s $"e& in' an& $e%$eshe& "+' the &eli/ht % this .ni n that it "ec mes' as it #e$e' cha$me& a/ainst all the !e5ati ns an& t$ ."les that ma+ assail it9 it is t these the ne5t # $&s % the stan4a $e%e$? 8$et your fury ease.9 6A 1G1 This is the t$ ."les an& an5ieties #hich %l # %$ m .n$.l+ acts an& a%%ecti ns1 As an/e$ is a ce$tain !i lence #hich &ist.$"s 0eace' !e$la00in/ its " .n&s' s als all these a%%ecti ns in thei$ m ti ns t$ans/$ess the " .n&s % the 0eace an& t$an7.illit+ % the s .l' &ist.$"in/ it #hene!e$ the+ t .ch it1 Hence the B$i&e/$ m sa+s? :B 8And tou h not the wall.9 *B1 The #all is the te$$it $+ % 0eace an& the % $t$ess % !i$t.e an& 0e$%ecti ns' #hich a$e the &e%enses an& 0$ tecti n % the s .l1 The s .l is the /a$&en #he$ein the Bel !e& %ee&s am n/ the %l #e$s' &e%en&e& an& /.a$&e& % $ Him al ne1 Hence it is calle& in the Canticle ,a /a$&en encl se&1-1DD The B$i&e/$ m "i&s all &is $&e$l+ em ti ns n t t
1D: Cant1 @?G 1DA P$ !1 1A?1A 1D@ Phil1 :?D 1DD Cant1 :?1*
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
:A
t .ch the te$$it $+ an& #all % His /a$&en1 *11 ,That the "$i&e ma+ slee0 in /$eate$ sec.$it+1- That is' that she is &eli/htin/ he$sel% #ith m $e s#eetness in the t$an7.illit+ an& s#eetness she has in the Bel !e&1 That is t sa+' that n # n & $ is sh.t a/ainst the s .l' an& that it is in its 0 #e$ t a"an& n itsel% #hene!e$ it #ills t this s#eet slee0 % l !e' acc $&in/ t the # $&s % the B$i&e/$ m in the Canticle' ,I a&C.$e + .' O &a./hte$s % Je$.salem' "+ the $ es an& the ha$ts % the %iel&s' that + . $aise n t .0 n $ ma(e the "el !e& t a#a(e till he$sel% #ill1-1D> NOTE THE B$i&e/$ m #as s an5i .s t $esc.e His "$i&e %$ m the 0 #e$ % the %lesh an& the &e!il an& t set he$ %$ee' that' ha!in/ & ne s ' He $eC ices !e$ he$ li(e the / & she0he$& #h ' ha!in/ % .n& the shee0 that #as l st' lai& it .0 n his sh .l&e$s $eC icin/9 li(e the # man #h ' ha!in/ % .n& the m ne+ she ha& l st' a%te$ li/htin/ a can&le an& s#ee0in/ the h .se' calle& ,t /ethe$ he$ %$ien&s an& nei/h" $s' sa+in/' ReC ice #ith me1-1DG S this l !in/ She0he$& an& B$i&e/$ m % s .ls sh #s a ma$!el .s C + an& &eli/ht #hen He "eh l&s a s .l /aine& t 0e$%ecti n l+in/ n His sh .l&e$s' an& "+ His han&s hel& %ast in the l n/e&J% $ em"$ace an& .ni n1 He is n t al ne in His C +' % $ He ma(es the an/els an& the s .ls % the "lesse& 0a$ta(e$s % His /l $+' sa+in/' as in the Canticle' ,G % $th' + . &a./hte$s % Fi n' an& see (in/ S l m n in the &ia&em #ith #hich his m the$ c$ #ne& him in the &a+ % his "et$ thal' an& in the &a+ % the C + % his hea$t1-1>B He calls the s .l His c$ #n' His "$i&e' an& the C + % His hea$t? He ca$$ies it in His a$ms' an& as a "$i&e/$ m lea&s it int His "$i&al cham"e$' as #e shall see in the % ll #in/ stan4a?
1B
1A
*B
*A
1D> Cant1 6?A 1DG L.(e 1A?A'>'G 1>B Cant1 6?11
STANZA XXII
A #he bride has entered #he "leasant and desirable garden, And there re"oses to her heart7s ontent! Her ne k re lining On the sweet arms of the Beloved. THE "$i&e ha!in/ & ne #hat she c .l& in $&e$ that the % 5es ma+ "e ca./ht' the n $th #in& cease' the n+m0hs' hin&$ances t the &esi$e& C + % the state % s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' % $/ thei$ t$ ."les me im0 $t.nities' an& ha!in/ als in! (e& an& "taine& the %a! $a"le #in& % the H l+ S0i$it' #hich is the $i/ht &is0 siti n an& means % $ the 0e$%ecti n % this state' it $emains % $ me n # t s0ea( % it in the stan4a in #hich the B$i&e/$ m calls the s .l His "$i&e' an& s0ea(s % t# thin/s? 11 He sa+s that the s .l' ha!in/ / ne % $th !ict $i .sl+' has ente$e& the &electa"le state % s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' #hich the+ ha& " th s ea$nestl+ &esi$e&1 *1 He en.me$ates the 0$ 0e$ties % that state' int the %$.iti n % #hich the s .l has ente$e&' namel+' 0e$%ect $e0 se' an& the $estin/ % the nec( n the a$ms % the Bel !e&1 8#he bride has entered.9 *1 F $ the "ette$ .n&e$stan&in/ % the a$$an/ement % these stan4as' an& % the #a+ "+ #hich the s .l a&!ances till it $eaches the state % s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' #hich is the !e$+ hi/hest' an& % #hich' "+ the /$ace % G &' I am n # a" .t t t$eat' #e m.st (ee0 in min& that the s .l' "e% $e it ente$s it' m.st "e t$ie& in t$i".lati ns' in sha$0 m $ti%icati ns' an& in me&itati n n s0i$it.al thin/s1 This is the s."Cect % this canticle till #e c me t the %i%th stan4a' "e/innin/ #ith the # $&s' ,A th .san& /$aces &i%%.sin/1- Then the s .l ente$s n the c ntem0lati!e li%e' 0assin/ th$ ./h th se #a+s an& st$aits % l !e #hich a$e &esc$i"e& in the c .$se % the canticle' till #e c me t the thi$teenth' "e/innin/ #ith ,T.$n them a#a+' O m+ Bel !e&M- This is the m ment % the s0i$it.al "et$ thal9 an& then the s .l a&!ances "+ the .niti!e #a+' the $eci0ient % man+ an& !e$+ /$eat c mm.nicati ns' Ce#els an& /i%ts %$ m the B$i&e/$ m as t ne "et$ the&' an& /$ #s int 0e$%ect l !e' as a00ea$s %$ m the stan4as #hich % ll # that "e/innin/ #ith ,T.$n them a#a+' O m+ Bel !e&M- Othe m ment % "et$ thalP' t the 0$esent' "e/innin/ #ith the # $&s? 8#he bride has entered.9 :B 61 The s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e % the s .l an& the S n % G & n # $emains t "e acc m0lishe&1 This is' "e+ n& all c m0a$is n' a %a$ hi/he$ state than that % "et$ thal' "eca.se it is a c m0lete t$ans% $mati n int the Bel !e&9 #he$e"+ the+ s.$$en&e$ each t the the$ the enti$e 0 ssessi n % themsel!es in the 0e$%ect .ni n % l !e' #he$ein the s .l "ec mes &i!ine' an&' "+ 0a$tici0ati n' G &' s %a$ as it is in this li%e1 I "elie!e that n s .l e!e$ attains t this state #ith .t "ein/ c n%i$me& in /$ace' % $ the %aith%.lness % " th is c n%i$me&9 that % G & "ein/ c n%i$me& in the s .l1 Hence it % ll #s' that this is the !e$+ hi/hest state 0 ssi"le in this li%e1 As "+ nat.$al ma$$ia/e the$e a$e ,t# in ne %lesh'-1>1 s als in the s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e "et#een G & an& the s .l the$e a$e t#
1>1 Gen1 *?*:
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:A
nat.$es in ne s0i$it an& l !e' as #e lea$n %$ m St1 Pa.l' #h ma&e .se % the same meta0h $' sa+in/' ,He that clea!es t the L $& is ne s0i$it1- 1>* S ' #hen the li/ht % a sta$' $ % a can&le' is .nite& t that % the s.n' the li/ht is n t that % the sta$' n $ % the can&le' ".t % the s.n itsel%' #hich a"s $"s all the$ li/ht in its #n1 A :1 It is % this state that the B$i&e/$ m is n # s0ea(in/' sa+in/' ,The "$i&e has ente$e&-9 that is' .t % all tem0 $al an& nat.$al thin/s' .t % all s0i$it.al a%%ecti ns' #a+s' an& meth &s' ha!in/ le%t n ne si&e' an& % $/ tten' all tem0tati ns' t$ials' s $$ #s' an5ieties an& ca$es' t$ans% $me& in this em"$ace1 1B 8#he "leasant and desirable garden.9 A1 That is' the s .l is t$ans% $me& in G &' )h is he$e calle& the 0leasant /a$&en "eca.se % the &elici .s an& s#eet $e0 se #hich the s .l %in&s in Him1 B.t the s .l & es n t ente$ the /a$&en % 0e$%ect t$ans% $mati n' the /l $+ an& the C + % the s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' #ith .t 0assin/ %i$st th$ ./h the s0i$it.al "et$ thal' the m.t.al %aith%.l l !e % the "et$ the&1 )hen the s .l has li!e& % $ s me time as the "$i&e % the S n' in 0e$%ect an& s#eet l !e' G & calls it an& lea&s it int His %l .$ishin/ /a$&en % $ the cele"$ati n % the s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e1 Then the t# nat.$es a$e s .nite&' #hat is &i!ine is s c mm.nicate& t #hat is h.man' that' #ith .t .n&e$/ in/ an+ essential chan/e' each seems t "e G &3+et n t 0e$%ectl+ s in this li%e' th ./h still in a manne$ #hich can neithe$ "e &esc$i"e& n $ c ncei!e&1 @1 )e lea$n this t$.th !e$+ clea$l+ %$ m the B$i&e/$ m Himsel% in the Canticle' #he$e He in!ites the s .l' n # His "$i&e' t ente$ this state' sa+in/? ,I am c me int m+ /a$&en' O M+ siste$' M+ "$i&e? I ha!e /athe$e& M+ m+$$h #ith M+ a$ matic s0ices1- 1>6 He calls the s .l His siste$' His "$i&e' % $ it is s.ch in l !e "+ that s.$$en&e$ #hich it has ma&e % itsel% "e% $e He ha& calle& it t the state % s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' #hen' as He sa+s' He /athe$e& His m+$$h #ith His a$ matic s0ices9 that is' the %$.its % %l #e$s n # $i0e an& ma&e $ea&+ % $ the s .l' #hich a$e the &eli/hts an& /$an&e.$s c mm.nicate& t it "+ Himsel% in this state' that is Himsel%' an& % $ #hich He is the 0leasant an& &esi$a"le /a$&en1 D1 The #h le aim an& &esi$e % the s .l an& % G &' in all this' is the acc m0lishment an& 0e$%ecti n % this state' an& the s .l is the$e% $e ne!e$ #ea$+ till it $eaches it9 "eca.se it %in&s the$e a m.ch /$eate$ a".n&ance an& %.llness in G &' a m $e sec.$e an& lastin/ 0eace' an& a s#eetness inc m0a$a"l+ m $e 0e$%ect than in the s0i$it.al "et$ thal' seein/ that it $e0 ses "et#een the a$ms % s.ch a B$i&e/$ m' )h se s0i$it.al em"$aces a$e s $eal that it' th$ ./h them' li!es the li%e % G &1 N # is %.l%ille& #hat St1 Pa.l $e%e$$e& t #hen he sai&? ,I li!e9 n # n t I' ".t Ch$ist li!es in me1- 1>: An& n # that the s .l li!es a li%e s ha00+ an& s /l $i .s as this li%e % G &' c nsi&e$ #hat a s#eet li%e it m.st "e3a li%e #he$e G & sees n thin/ &is0leasin/' an& #he$e the s .l %in&s n thin/ i$(s me' ".t $athe$ the /l $+ an& &eli/ht % G & in the !e$+ s."stance % itsel%' n # t$ans% $me& in Him1 8And there re"oses to her heart7s ontent! her ne k re lining on the sweet arms of the Beloved.9
1>* 1 C $ @?1D 1>6 Cant1 A?1 1>: Gal1 *?*B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
>1 The nec( is the s .lLs st$en/th' "+ means % #hich its .ni n #ith the Bel !e& is #$ ./ht9 % $ the s .l c .l& n t en&.$e s cl se an em"$ace i% it ha& n t "een !e$+ st$ n/1 An& as the s .l has la" $e& in this st$en/th' 0$actice& !i$t.e' !e$c me !ice' it is %ittin/ that it sh .l& $est the$e %$ m its la" $s' ,he$ nec( $eclinin/ n the s#eet a$ms % the Bel !e&1G1 This $eclinin/ % the nec( n the a$ms % G & is the .ni n % the s .lLs st$en/th' $' $athe$' % the s .lLs #ea(ness' #ith the st$en/th % G &' in )h m .$ #ea(ness' $estin/ an& t$ans% $me&' 0.ts n the st$en/th % G & Himsel%1 The state % s0i$it.al mat$im n+ is the$e% $e m st %itl+ &esi/nate& "+ the $eclinin/ % the nec( n the s#eet a$ms % the Bel !e&9 seein/ that G & is the st$en/th an& s#eetness % the s .l' )h /.a$&s an& &e%en&s it %$ m all e!il an& /i!es it t taste % all / &1 1B1 Hence the "$i&e in the Canticle' l n/in/ % $ this state' sa+s t the B$i&e/$ m? ,)h shall /i!e t me 2 . m+ "$ the$' s.c(in/ the "$east % m+ m the$' that I ma+ %in& 2 . #ith .t' an& (iss 2 .' an& n # n man ma+ &es0ise me1-1>A B+ a&&$essin/ Him as he$ B$ the$ she sh #s the e7.alit+ "et#een them in the "et$ thal % l !e' "e% $e she ente$e& the state % s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e1 ,S.c(in/ the "$east % m+ m the$- si/ni%ies the &$+in/ .0 % the 0assi ns an& &esi$es' #hich a$e the "$easts an& mil( % .$ m the$ E!e in .$ %lesh' #hich a$e a "a$ t this state1 The ,%in&in/ Him #ith .t- is t %in& Him in &etachment %$ m all thin/s an& %$ m sel% #hen the "$i&e is in s lit.&e' s0i$it.all+ &etache&' #hich ta(es 0lace #hen all the &esi$es a$e 7.enche&1 ,An& (iss 2 .-3that is' "e .nite& #ith the B$i&e/$ m' al ne #ith Him al ne1 111 This is the .ni n % the nat.$e % the s .l' in s lit.&e' cleanse& %$ m all im0.$it+' nat.$al' tem0 $al' an& s0i$it.al' #ith the B$i&e/$ m al ne' #ith His nat.$e' "+ l !e nl+3that % l !e #hich is the nl+ l !e % the s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' #he$ein the s .l' as it #e$e' (isses G & #hen n ne &es0ises it n $ ma(es it a%$ai&1 F $ in this state the s .l is n l n/e$ m leste&' eithe$ "+ the &e!il' $ the %lesh' $ the # $l&' $ the &esi$es' seein/ that he$e is %.l%ille& #hat is #$itten in the Canticle? ,)inte$ is n # 0ast' the $ain is !e$ an& / ne1 The %l #e$s ha!e a00ea$e& in .$ lan&1-1>@ NOTE
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A )HEN the s .l has "een $aise& t the hi/h state % s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' the B$i&e/$ m $e!eals t it' as His %aith%.l c ns $t' His #n ma$!el .s sec$ets m st $ea&il+ an& m st %$e7.entl+' % $ he #h t$.l+ an& since$el+ l !es hi&es n thin/ %$ m the "Cect % his a%%ecti ns1 The chie% matte$ % His c mm.nicati ns a$e the s#eet m+ste$ies % His inca$nati n' the #a+s an& means % $e&em0ti n' #hich is ne % the hi/hest # $(s % G &' an& s is t the s .l ne % the s#eetest1 Th ./h He c mm.nicates man+ the$ m+ste$ies' He s0ea(s in the % ll #in/ stan4a % His inca$nati n nl+' as "ein/ the chie%9 an& th.s a&&$esses the s .l in the # $&s that % ll #?
:B
1>A Cant1 >?1 1>@ Cant1 *?11'1*
STANZA XXIII
A Beneath the a""le5tree #here were you betrothed! #here I gave you 1y hand, And you were redeemed Where your mother was orru"ted. THE B$i&e/$ m tells the s .l % the # n&$ .s #a+ % its $e&em0ti n an& "et$ thal t Himsel%' "+ $e%e$$in/ t the #a+ in #hich the h.man $ace #as l st1 As it #as "+ the % $"i&&en t$ee % 0a$a&ise that .$ nat.$e #as c $$.0te& in A&am an& l st' s it #as "+ the t$ee % the C$ ss that it #as $e&eeme& an& $est $e&1 The B$i&e/$ m the$e st$etche& % $th the han& % His /$ace an& me$c+' in His &eath an& 0assi n' ,ma(in/ ! i& the la# % c mman&ments-1>D #hich $i/inal sin ha& 0lace& "et#een .s an& G &1 8Beneath the a""le5tree,9 *B *1 That is the # & % the C$ ss' #he$e the S n % G & #as c n7.e$ $' an& #he$e He "et$ the& .$ h.man nat.$e t Himsel%' an&' "+ c nse7.ence' e!e$+ s .l % man1 The$e' n the C$ ss' He /a!e .s /$ace an& 0le&/es % His l !e1 8#here were you betrothed, there I gave you 1y hand.9 *A 61 ,Hel0 an& /$ace' li%tin/ + . .0 .t % + .$ "ase an& mise$a"le c n&iti n t "e M+ c m0ani n an& M+ "$i&e16B 8And you were redeemed where your mother was orru"ted.9 :1 ,2 .$ m the$' h.man nat.$e' #as c $$.0te& in he$ %i$st 0a$ents "eneath the % $"i&&en t$ee' an& + . #e$e $e&eeme& "eneath the t$ee % the C$ ss1 I% + .$ m the$ at that t$ee sentence& + . t &ie' I %$ m the C$ ss ha!e /i!en + . li%e1- It is th.s that G & $e!eals the $&e$ an& &is0 siti ns % His #is& m? elicitin/ / & %$ m e!il' an& t.$nin/ that #hich has its $i/in in e!il t "e an inst$.ment % /$eate$ / &1 This stan4a is nea$l+ # $& % $ # $& #hat the B$i&e/$ m in the Canticle sa+s t the "$i&e? ,Un&e$ the a00leJ t$ee I $aise& + . .0? the$e + .$ m the$ #as c $$.0te&9 the$e she #as &e%l #e$e& that "a$e + .1-1>> A1 It is n t the "et$ thal % the C$ ss that I am s0ea(in/ % n #3that ta(es 0lace' nce % $ all' #hen G & /i!es the %i$st /$ace t the s .l in "a0tism1 I am s0ea(in/ % the "et$ thal in the #a+ % 0e$%ecti n' #hich is a 0$ /$essi!e # $(1 An& th ./h " th a$e ".t ne' +et the$e is a &i%%e$ence "et#een them1 The latte$ is e%%ecte& in the #a+ % the s .l' an& the$e% $e sl #l+? the % $me$ in the #a+ % G &' an& the$e% $e at nce1 @1 The "et$ thal % #hich I am s0ea(in/ is that % #hich G & s0ea(s Himsel% "+ the
1>D E0h1 *?1A 1>> Cant1 >?A
1B
1A
6A
:B
:A
1B
1A
m .th % the 0$ 0het E4e(iel' sa+in/? ,2 . #e$e cast .t .0 n the %ace % the ea$th in the a"Cecti n % + .$ s .l' in the &a+ that + . #e$e " $n1 An& 0assin/ "+ + .' I sa# that + . #e$e t$ &&en .n&e$ % t in + .$ "l &9 an& I sai& t + . #hen + . #e$e in + .$ "l &? Li!e? I sai& t + .' I sa+9 in + .$ "l & li!e1 M.lti0lie& as the s0$in/ % the %iel& ha!e I ma&e + .9 an& + . #e$e m.lti0lie& an& ma&e /$eat' an& + . #ent in' an& came t the $naments % # man9 + .$ "$easts s#elle& an& + .$ hai$ ".&&e&? an& + . #e$e na(e& an& %.ll % c n%.si n1 An& I 0asse& "+ + . an& sa# + .' an& "eh l&' + .$ time' the time % l !e$s9 an& I s0$ea& M+ /a$ment !e$ + . an& c !e$e& + .$ i/n min+1 An& I s# $e t + .9 an& I ente$e& a c !enant #ith + .' sa+s the L $& G &9 an& + . #e$e ma&e Mine1 An& I #ashe& + . #ith #ate$' an& ma&e clean + .$ "l & %$ m %% + .? an& I an inte& + . #ith il1 An& I cl the& + . #ith &i!e$se c l $s' an& sh & + . #ith h+acinth' an& I /i$&e& + . #ith sil( an& cl the& + . #ith %ine /a$ments1 An& I a& $ne& + . #ith $naments' an& 0.t "$acelets n + .$ han&s' an& a chain a" .t + .$ nec(1 An& I 0.t a Ce#el .0 n + .$ % $ehea& an& $in/s in + .$ ea$s' an& a c$ #n % "ea.t+ n + .$ hea&1 An& + . #e$e a& $ne& #ith / l& an& sil!e$' an& #e$e cl the& #ith sil(' an& em"$ i&e$e& # $(' an& man+ c l $s? + . ate %ine %l .$' an& h ne+' an& il' an& #e$e ma&e "ea.ti%.l e5cee&in/l+' an& a&!ance& t "e a 7.een1 An& + .$ name #ent % $th am n/ the nati ns "eca.se % + .$ "ea.t+1-1>G These a$e the # $&s % E4e(iel' an& this is the state % that s .l % #hich I am n # s0ea(in/1 NOTE AFTER the m.t.al s.$$en&e$ t each the$ % the "$i&e an& the Bel !e&' c mes thei$ "e&1 The$e n the "$i&e ente$s int the C + % Ch$ist1 Th.s the 0$esent stan4a $e%e$s t the "e&' #hich is 0.$e an& chaste' an& &i!ine' an& in #hich the "$i&e is 0.$e' &i!ine' an& chaste1 The "e& is n thin/ else ".t the B$i&e/$ m Himsel%' the ) $&' the S n % G &' in )h m' th$ ./h the .ni n % l !e' the "$i&e $e0 ses1 This "e& is sai& t "e % %l #e$s' % $ the B$i&e/$ m is n t nl+ that' ".t' as He sa+s Himsel% % Himsel%' ,I am the %l #e$ % the %iel& an& the lil+ % the !alle+s1- 1GB The s .l $e0 ses n t nl+ n the "e& % %l #e$s' ".t n that !e$+ %l #e$ #hich is the S n % G &' an& #hich c ntains in itsel% the &i!ine & $' %$a/$ance' /$ace' an& "ea.t+' as He sa+s "+ the m .th % Da!i&' ,)ith me is the "ea.t+ % the %iel&1-1G1 The s .l' the$e% $e' in the stan4a that % ll #s' cele"$ates the 0$ 0e$ties an& "ea.ties % its "e&' sa+in/?
*B
*A
6B
1>G E4e(1 1@?AJ1: 1GB Cant1 *?1 1G1 Ps1 :G?11
STANZA XXIV
THE BRIDE A Our bed is of flowers By dens of lions en om"assed, Hung with "ur"le, 1ade in "ea e, And rowned with a thousand shields of gold. IN t# % the % $e/ in/ stan4as3the % .$teenth an& the %i%teenth3the "$i&eJs .l cele"$ate& the /$ace an& ma/ni%icence % the Bel !e&' the S n % G &1 In the 0$esent stan4a she n t nl+ 0.$s.es the same s."Cect' ".t als sin/s % he$ hi/h an& "lesse& state' an& he$ #n sec.$it+ in it1 She then 0$ cee&s t the !i$t.es an& $ich /i%ts #ith #hich she is en& #e& an& a& $ne& in the cham"e$ % the B$i&e/$ m9 % $ she sa+s that she is in .ni n #ith Him' an& is st$ n/ in !i$t.e1 Ne5t she sa+s that she has attaine& t the 0e$%ecti n % l !e' an& then that she enC +s 0e$%ect s0i$it.al 0eace' en& #e& an& a& $ne& #ith /i%ts an& /$aces' s %a$ as it is 0 ssi"le t ha!e them in this li%e1 The %i$st s."Cect % the stan4a is the C + #hich the "$i&e %eels in he$ .ni n #ith the Bel !e&' sa+in/? 8Our bed is of flowers.9 *A *1 I ha!e al$ea&+ sai& that this "e& % the s .l is the " s m an& l !e % the S n % G &' %.ll % %l #e$s t the s .l' #hich n # .nite& t G & an& $e0 sin/ in Him' as His "$i&e' sha$es the " s m an& l !e % the Bel !e&1 That is' the s .l is a&mitte& t a (n #le&/e % the #is& m' sec$ets an& /$aces' an& /i%ts an& 0 #e$s % G &' #he$e"+ it is ma&e s "ea.ti%.l' s $ich' s a" .n&in/ in &eli/hts that it seems t "e l+in/ n a "e& % man+J c l $e& &i!ine %l #e$s' the t .ch % #hich ma(es it th$ill #ith C +' an& the & $s % #hich $e%$esh it1 61 This .ni n % l !e #ith G & is the$e% $e m st a00$ 0$iatel+ calle& a "e& % %l #e$s' an& is s calle& "+ the "$i&e in the Canticle' sa+in/ t the Bel !e&' ,O.$ "e& is % %l #e$s1-1G* She s0ea(s % it as .$s' "eca.se the !i$t.es an& the l !e' ne an& the same' % the Bel !e& a$e c mm n t " th t /ethe$' an& the &eli/ht % " th is ne an& the same9 as it is #$itten? ,M+ &eli/hts #e$e t "e #ith the chil&$en % men1- 1G6 The "e& is sai& t "e % %l #e$s' "eca.se in this state the !i$t.es in the s .l a$e 0e$%ect an& he$ ic' #hich the+ c .l& n t "e .ntil the "e& ha& %l #e$e& in 0e$%ect .ni n #ith G &1 8By dens of lions en om"assed.9 :1 The &ens % li ns si/ni%+ the !i$t.es #ith #hich the s .l is en& #e& in the state % .ni n1 The &ens % li ns a$e sa%e $et$eats' 0$ tecte& %$ m all the$ animals' #h ' a%$ai& % the " l&ness an& st$en/th % the li n #ithin' a$e a%$ai& n t nl+ t ente$' ".t e!en t a00ea$ in si/ht1 S each !i$t.e % the s .l in the state % 0e$%ecti n is li(e a &en % li ns #he$e Ch$ist &#ells .nite& t the s .l in that !i$t.e9 an& in e!e$+ ne % them as a
1G* Cant1 1?1A 1G6 P$ !1 >?61
1B
1A
*B
6B
6A
:B
:A
st$ n/ li n1 The s .l als ' .nite& t Him in th se !e$+ !i$t.es' is as a st$ n/ li n' "eca.se it then 0a$ta(es % the 0e$%ecti ns % G &1 A A1 Th.s' then' the 0e$%ect s .l is s &e%en&e&' s st$ n/ in !i$t.e' an& in all !i$t.es t /ethe$' $e0 sin/ n the %l #e$+ "e& % its .ni n #ith G &' that the e!il s0i$its a$e n t nl+ a%$ai& t assa.lt it' ".t e!en &a$e n t a00ea$ "e% $e it9 s.ch is thei$ &$ea& % it' #hen the+ "eh l& it st$ n/' c .$a/e .s' an& mat.$e in its 0e$%ect !i$t.es' n the "e& % the Bel !e&1 The e!il s0i$its %ea$ a s .l t$ans% $me& in the .ni n % l !e as m.ch as the+ %ea$ the Bel !e& Himsel%' an& the+ &a$e n t l ( .0 n it' % $ Satan is in /$eat %ea$ % that s .l #hich has attaine& t 0e$%ecti n1 @1 The s .lLs "e& is enc m0asse& "+ !i$t.es? the+ a$e the &ens' % $ #hen the s .l has a&!ance& t 0e$%ecti n' its !i$t.es a$e s 0e$%ectl+ $&e$e&' an& s C ine& t /ethe$ an& " .n& .0 ne #ith an the$' each s.00 $tin/ the the$' that n 0a$t % it is #ea( $ e50 se&1 N t nl+ is Satan .na"le t 0enet$ate #ithin it' ".t e!en # $l&l+ thin/s' #hethe$ /$eat $ little' %ail t &ist.$" $ ann + it' $ e!en m !e it9 % $ "ein/ n # %$ee %$ m all m lestati n % nat.$al a%%ecti ns' an& a st$an/e$ t the # $$+ % tem0 $al an5ieties' it enC +s in sec.$it+ an& 0eace the 0a$tici0ati n % G &1 D1 This is that % $ #hich the "$i&e l n/e& #hen she sai&' ,)h shall /i!e t me 2 . m+ "$ the$' s.c(in/ the "$east % m+ m the$' that I ma+ %in& 2 . #ith .t' an& (iss 2 .' an& n # n man ma+ &es0ise me8-1G: The ,(iss- he$e is the .ni n % #hich I am s0ea(in/' #he$e"+ the s .l' "+ l !e' "ec mes in a sense the e7.al % G &1 This is the "Cect it &esi$es #hen it sa+s' ,)h shall /i!e t me 2 . m+ "$ the$8- That means an& ma(es e7.alit+1 ,S.c(in/ the "$east % m+ m the$-9 that is' &est$ +in/ all the im0e$%ecti ns an& &esi$es % nat.$e #hich the s .l inhe$its %$ m its m the$ E!e1 ,That I ma+ %in& 2 . #ith .t-9 that is' ,"e .nite& t 2 . al ne' a#a+ %$ m all thin/s' in &etachment % the #ill an& &esi$es1- ,An& n # n man ma+ &es0ise me-9 that is' the # $l&' the &e!il' an& the %lesh #ill n t !ent.$e t assail it' % $ "ein/ %$ee an& 0.$i%ie&' an& als .nite& t G &' n ne % these can m lest it1 Th.s' then' the s .l is in the enC +ment n # % ha"it.al s#eetness an& t$an7.illit+ that ne!e$ %ail it1 >1 B.t "esi&e this ha"it.al c ntentment an& 0eace' the %l #e$s % the !i$t.es % this /a$&en s 0en in the s .l an& &i%%.se thei$ & $s that it seems t "e' an& is' %.ll % the &eli/hts % G &1 I sa+ that the %l #e$s 0en9 "eca.se the s .l' th ./h %ille& #ith the !i$t.es in 0e$%ecti n' is n t al#a+s in the act.al %$.iti n % them' n t#ithstan&in/ its ha"it.al 0e$ce0ti n % the 0eace an& t$an7.illit+ #hich the+ 0$ &.ce1 )e ma+ sa+ % these !i$t.es that the+ a$e in this li%e li(e the ".&&in/ %l #e$s % a /a$&en9 the+ %%e$ a m st "ea.ti%.l si/ht3 0enin/ .n&e$ the ins0i$ati ns % the H l+ S0i$it3an& &i%%.se m st ma$!el .s 0e$%.mes in /$eat !a$iet+1 G1 S metimes the s .l #ill &isce$n in itsel% the m .ntain %l #e$s3the %.llness' /$an&e.$' an& "ea.t+ % G &3inte$min/le& #ith the lilies % the !alle+3$est' $e%$eshment' an& &e%ense9 an& a/ain am n/ them' the %$a/$ant $ ses % the st$an/e islan&s3the st$an/e (n #le&/e % G &9 an& %.$the$' the 0e$%.me % the #ate$ lilies % the $ a$in/ t $$ents3the maCest+ % G & %illin/ the #h le s .l1 An& ami& all this' it enC +s the e57.isite %$a/$ance % the Casmine' an& the #his0e$ % the am $ .s /ales' the %$.iti n % #hich is /$ante& t the s .l in the estate % .ni n' an& in the same #a+ all the the$ !i$t.es an& /$aces' the calm (n #le&/e' silent m.sic' m.$m.$in/ s lit.&e' an& the
1G: Cant1 >?1
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
s#eet s.00e$ % l !e9 an& the C + % all this is s.ch as t ma(e the s .l sa+ in t$.th' ,O.$ "e& is % %l #e$s' "+ &ens % li ns enc m0asse&1- Blesse& is that s .l #hich in this li%e &ese$!es at times t enC + the 0e$%.me % these &i!ine %l #e$s1 A 8Hung with "ur"le.9 1B1 P.$0le in H l+ Sc$i0t.$e means cha$it+' an& (in/s a$e cla& in it' an& % $ that $eas n the s .l sa+s that the "e& % %l #e$s is h.n/ #ith 0.$0le' "eca.se all the !i$t.es' $iches' an& "lessin/s % it a$e s.staine&' %l .$ish' an& a$e &eli/hte& nl+ in cha$it+ an& l !e % the Iin/ % hea!en9 #ith .t that l !e the s .l can ne!e$ &eli/ht in the "e& n $ in the %l #e$s the$e %1 All these !i$t.es' the$e% $e' a$e' in the s .l' as i% h.n/ n the l !e % G &' as n that #hich 0$ese$!es them' an& the+ a$e' as it #e$e' "athe& in l !e9 % $ all an& each % them al#a+s ma(e the s .l l !e G &' an& n all ccasi ns an& in all acti ns the+ a&!ance in l !e t a /$eate$ l !e % G &1 That is #hat is meant "+ sa+in/ that the "e& is h.n/ #ith 0.$0le1 111 This is #ell e50$esse& in the sac$e& Canticle? ,Iin/ S l m n has ma&e himsel% a litte$ % the # & % Le"an n9 the 0illa$s the$e % he has ma&e % sil!e$' the seat % / l&' the / in/ .0 % 0.$0le9 the mi&st he has 0a!e& #ith cha$it+1- 1GA The !i$t.es an& /$aces #hich G & la+s in the "e& % the s .l a$e si/ni%ie& "+ the # & % Le"an n? the 0illa$s % sil!e$ an& the seat % / l& a$e l !e' % $' as I ha!e sai&' the !i$t.es a$e maintaine& "+ l !e' an& "+ the l !e % G & an& % the s .l a$e $&e$e& an& "$in/ % $th %$.it1 81ade in "ea e.9 *A 1*1 This is the % .$th e5cellence % the "e&' an& &e0en&s n the thi$&' % #hich I ha!e C.st s0 (en1 F $ the thi$& is 0e$%ect cha$it+' the 0$ 0e$t+ % #hich is' as the A0 stle sa+s' t cast .t %ea$91G@ hence the 0e$%ect 0eace % the s .l' #hich is the % .$th e5cellence % this "e&1 F $ the clea$e$ .n&e$stan&in/ % this #e m.st (ee0 in min& that each !i$t.e is in itsel% 0eace%.l' /entle' an& st$ n/' an& c nse7.entl+' in the s .l #hich 0 ssesses them' 0$ &.ces 0eace' /entleness' an& % $tit.&e1 N #' as the "e& is % %l #e$s' % $me& % the %l #e$s % !i$t.es' all % #hich a$e 0eace%.l' /entle' an& st$ n/' it % ll #s that the "e& is #$ ./ht in 0eace' an& the s .l is 0eace%.l' /entle' an& st$ n/' #hich a$e th$ee 7.alities .nassaila"le "+ the # $l&' Satan' an& the %lesh1 The !i$t.es 0$ese$!e the s .l in s.ch 0eace an& sec.$it+ that it seems t "e #h ll+ ".ilt .0 in 0eace1 The %i%th 0$ 0e$t+ % this "e& % %l #e$s is e50laine& in the % ll #in/ # $&s? 8'rowned with a thousand shields of gold.9 :B 161 The shiel&s a$e the !i$t.es an& /$aces % the s .l' #hich' th ./h the+ a$e als the %l #e$s' se$!e % $ its c$ #n' an& the $e#a$& % the t il "+ #hich the+ a$e ac7.i$e&1 The+ se$!e als ' li(e st$ n/ shiel&s' as a 0$ tecti n a/ainst the !ices' #hich it !e$came "+ the 0$actice % them9 an& the "$i&al "e& % %l #e$s the$e% $e3that is' the !i$t.es' the c$ #n an& &e%ense3is a& $ne& #ith them "+ #a+ % $e#a$&' an& 0$ tecte& "+ them as #ith a shiel&1 The shiel&s a$e sai& t "e % / l&' t sh # the /$eat # $th % the !i$t.es1 The "$i&e in the Canticle sets % $th the same t$.th' sa+in/? ,Th$ee sc $e !aliant men % the m st !aliant % Is$ael s.$$ .n& the little "e& % S l m n' all h l&in/ s# $&s9 1 1 1
1GA Cant1 6?G'1B 1G@ 1 J hn :?1>
1B
1A
*B
6B
6A
:A
e!e$+ manLs s# $& .0 n his thi/h' "eca.se % %ea$s in the ni/ht1-1GD 1:1 Th.s in this stan4a the "$i&e s0ea(s % a th .san& shiel&s' t e50$ess the !a$iet+ % the !i$t.es' /i%ts' an& /$aces #ith #hich G & has en& #e& the s .l in this state1 The B$i&e/$ m als in the Canticle has em0l +e& the same e50$essi n' in $&e$ t sh # % $th the inn.me$a"le !i$t.es % the s .l' sa+in/? ,2 .$ nec( is as the t #e$ % Da!i&' #hich is ".ilt #ith ".l#a$(s9 a th .san& shiel&s han/ .0 n it' all the a$m $ % !aliant men1-1G> NOTE THE s .l' ha!in/ attaine& t 0e$%ecti n' is n t satis%ie& #ith ma/ni%+in/ an& e5t llin/ the e5cellencies % the Bel !e&' the S n % G &' n $ #ith $ec .ntin/ an& /i!in/ than(s % $ the /$aces $ecei!e& at His han&s an& the C + int #hich it has ente$e&' ".t $ec .nts als the /$aces c n%e$$e& n the$ s .ls1 In this "lesse& .ni n % l !e the s .l is a"le t c ntem0late " th its #n an& the$sL /$aces9 th.s 0$aisin/ Him an& /i!in/ Him than(s % $ the man+ /$aces "est #e& .0 n the$s' it sin/s as in the % ll #in/ stan4a?
1B
1A
1GD Cant1 6?D'> 1G> Cant1 :?:
STANZA XXV
A In Your footste"s #he young ones run Your way! At the tou h of the fire And by the s"i ed wine, #he divine balsam flows. HERE the "$i&e /i!es than(s t he$ Bel !e& % $ th$ee /$aces #hich &e! .t s .ls $ecei!e %$ m Him' "+ #hich the+ enc .$a/e an& e5cite themsel!es t l !e G & m $e an& m $e1 She s0ea(s % them he$e "eca.se she has ha& e50e$ience % them he$sel% in this state % .ni n1 The %i$st is s#eetness' #hich He /i!es them' an& #hich is s e%%icaci .s that it ma(es them $.n s#i%tl+ n the $ a& % 0e$%ecti n1 The sec n& is a !isit % l !e' "+ #hich the+ a$e s.&&enl+ set n %i$e #ith l !e1 The thi$& is !e$%l #in/ cha$it+ in%.se& int them' #ith #hich He s ine"$iates them that the+ a$e as m.ch e5cite& "+ it as "+ the !isit % l !e' t .tte$ the 0$aises % G &' an& t l !e Him #ith all s#eetness1 8In Your footste"s.9 *B *1 These a$e the ma$(s n the /$ .n& "+ #hich #e t$ace the c .$se % ne #e see(1 The s#eetness an& (n #le&/e % Himsel% #hich G & c mm.nicates t the s .l that see(s Him a$e the % tste0s "+ #hich it t$aces an& $ec /ni4es Him1 Th.s the s .l sa+s t the ) $&' the B$i&e/$ m' ,In 2 .$ % tste0s-3,in the t$aces % 2 .$ s#eetness #hich 2 . &i%%.se' an& the & $s #hich 2 . scatte$18#he young ones run Your way.9 6B 61 ,De! .t s .ls $.n #ith + .th%.l !i/ $ in the s#eetness #hich 2 .$ % tste0s c mm.nicate1- The+ $.n in man+ #a+s an& in !a$i .s &i$ecti ns3each acc $&in/ t the s0i$it #hich G & "est #s an& the ! cati n He has /i!en3in the &i!e$si%ie& % $ms % s0i$it.al se$!ice n the $ a& % e!e$lastin/ li%e' #hich is e!an/elical 0e$%ecti n' #he$e the+ meet the Bel !e& in the .ni n % l !e' in s0i$it.al &etachment %$ m all thin/s1 :1 This s#eetness an& im0$essi n % Himsel% #hich G & lea!es in the s .l $en&e$ it li/ht an& acti!e in $.nnin/ a%te$ Him9 % $ the s .l then & es little $ n thin/ in its #n st$en/th t #a$&s $.nnin/ al n/ this $ a&' "ein/ $athe$ att$acte& "+ the &i!ine % tste0s' s that it n t nl+ a&!ances' ".t e!en $.ns' as I sai& "e% $e' in man+ #a+s1 The "$i&e in the Canticle' the$e% $e' 0$a+s % $ the &i!ine att$acti n' sa+in/' ,D$a# me' #e #ill $.n a%te$ 2 . t the & $ % 2 .$ intments-91GG an& Da!i& sa+s' ,I ha!e $.n the #a+ % 2 .$ c mman&ments' #hen 2 . &ilate& m+ hea$t1-*BB 8At the tou h of the fire, and by the s"i ed wine, the divine balsam flows.9 :A A1 I sai&' #hile e50lainin/ the 0$e!i .s lines' that s .ls $.n in His % tste0s in the #a+ % e5te$i $ # $(s1 B.t the th$ee lines I ha!e C.st 7. te& $e%e$ t the inte$i $ acts % the
1GG Cant1 1?6 *BB Ps1 11>?6*
1B
1A
*A
6A
:B
#ill' #hen s .ls a$e .n&e$ the in%l.ence % the the$ t# /$aces' an& inte$i $ !isits % the Bel !e&1 These a$e the t .ch % %i$e' an& s0ice& #ine9 an& the inte$i $ act % the #ill' #hich is the $es.lt % these !isits' is the %l #in/ % the &i!ine "alsam1 The c ntact % the %i$e is that m st &elicate t .ch % the Bel !e& #hich the s .l %eels at times e!en #hen least e50ectin/ it' an& #hich sets the hea$t n %i$e #ith l !e' as i% a s0a$( % %i$e ha& %allen .0 n it an& ma&e it ".$n1 Then the #ill' in an instant' li(e ne $ .se& %$ m slee0' ".$ns #ith the %i$e % l !e' l n/s % $ G &' 0$aises Him an& /i!es Him than(s' # $shi0s an& h n $s Him' an& 0$a+s t Him in the s#eetness % l !e1 @1 This is the %l #in/ % the &i!ine "alsam' #hich "e+s the t .ch % the %i$e that iss.es % $th %$ m the c ns.min/ l !e % G & #hich that %i$e (in&le&9 the &i!ine "alsam #hich c m% $ts the s .l an& heals it #ith its & $ an& its s."stance1 D1 The "$i&e in the Canticle s0ea(s % this &i!ine t .ch' sa+in/' ,M+ Bel !e& 0.t His han& th$ ./h the 0enin/' an& m+ "ell+ t$em"le& at His t .ch1- *B1 The t .ch % the Bel !e& is the t .ch % l !e' an& His han& is the /$ace He "est #s .0 n the s .l' an& the 0enin/ th$ ./h #hich He 0.ts His han& is the ! cati n an& the 0e$%ecti n' at least the &e/$ee % 0e$%ecti n % the s .l9 % $ acc $&in/l+ #ill His t .ch "e hea!ie$ $ li/hte$' in 0$ 0 $ti n t its s0i$it.al state1 The "ell+ that t$em"le& is the #ill' in #hich the t .ch is e%%ecte&' an& the t$em"lin/ is the sti$$in/ .0 % the &esi$es an& a%%ecti ns t l !e' l n/ % $' an& 0$aise G &' #hich is the %l #in/ % the "alsam %$ m this t .ch1 >1 ,The s0ice& #ine- is that e5cee&in/l+ /$eat /$ace #hich G & s metimes "est #s .0 n a&!ance& s .ls' #hen the H l+ S0i$it ine"$iates them #ith the s#eet' l.sci .s' an& st$ n/ #ine % l !e1 Hence it is he$e calle& s0ice& #ine' % $ as s.ch #ine is 0$e0a$e& "+ %e$mentati n #ith man+ an& &i!e$se a$ matic an& st$en/thenin/ he$"s9 s this l !e' the /i%t % G & t the 0e$%ect' is in the s .l 0$e0a$e& an& seas ne& #ith the !i$t.es al$ea&+ ac7.i$e&1 This l !e' seas ne& #ith the 0$eci .s s0ices' c mm.nicates t the s .l s.ch a st$ n/' a".n&ant ine"$iati n #hen G & !isits it that it 0 .$s % $th #ith /$eat e%%ect an& % $ce th se acts % $a0t.$ .s 0$aise' l !e' an& # $shi0 #hich I $e%e$$e& t "e% $e' an& that #ith a ma$!el .s l n/in/ t la" $ an& t s.%%e$ % $ Him1 G1 This s#eet ine"$iati n an& /$ace' h #e!e$' & n t 0ass 7.ic(l+ a#a+' li(e the t .ch % the %i$e' % $ the+ a$e % l n/e$ c ntin.ance1 The %i$e t .ches an& 0asses' ".t the e%%ects a"i&e %ten9 an& s metimes the s0ice& #ine c ntin.es % $ a c nsi&e$a"le time' an& its e%%ects als 9 this is the s#eet l !e % the s .l' an& c ntin.es ccasi nall+ a &a+ $ t# ' s metimes e!en man+ &a+s t /ethe$' th ./h n t al#a+s in the same &e/$ee % intensit+' "eca.se it is n t in the 0 #e$ % the s .l t c nt$ l it1 S metimes the s .l' #ith .t an+ e%% $t % its #n' is c nsci .s % a m st s#eet inte$i $ ine"$iati n' an& % the &i!ine l !e ".$nin/ #ithin' as Da!i& sa+s' ,M+ hea$t #a5e& h t #ithin me' an& in m+ me&itati n a %i$e shall ".$n1-*B* 1B1 The .t0 .$in/s % this ine"$iati n last s metimes as l n/ as the ine"$iati n itsel%1 At the$ times the$e a$e n .t0 .$in/s9 an& the+ a$e m $e $ less intense #hen the+ cc.$' in 0$ 0 $ti n t the /$eate$ $ less intensit+ % the ine"$iati n itsel%1 B.t the .t0 .$in/s' $ e%%ects % the %i$e' /ene$all+ last l n/e$ than the %i$e #hich ca.se& them9 in&ee& the %i$e lea!es them "ehin& in the s .l' an& the+ a$e m $e !ehement than th se #hich 0$ cee& %$ m the ine"$iati n' % $ s metimes this &i!ine %i$e ".$ns .0 an&
*B1 Cant1 A?: *B* Ps1 6>?:
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
c ns.mes the s .l in l !e1 111 As I ha!e menti ne& %e$mente& #ine' it #ill "e #ell t t .ch "$ie%l+ .0 n the &i%%e$ence "et#een it' #hen it is l&' an& ne# #ine9 the &i%%e$ence "et#een l& #ine an& ne# #ine is the same' an& #ill %.$nish a little inst$.cti n % $ s0i$it.al men1 Ne# #ine has n t settle& n the lees' an& is the$e% $e %e$mentin/9 #e cann t asce$tain its 7.alit+ $ # $th "e% $e it has settle&' an& the %e$mentati n has cease&' % $ .ntil then the$e is /$eat $is( % its c $$.0ti n1 The taste % it is $ ./h an& sha$0' an& an imm &e$ate &$a./ht % it int 5icates1 Ol& #ine has settle& n the lees' an& %e$ments n m $e li(e ne# #ine9 the 7.alit+ % it is easil+ asce$taine& an& it is n # !e$+ sa%e %$ m c $$.0ti n' % $ all %e$mentati n #hich mi/ht ha!e 0$ !e& 0e$nici .s has enti$el+ cease&1 )ellJ%e$mente& #ine is !e$+ $a$el+ s0 ile&' the taste % it is 0leasant' an& its st$en/th is in its #n s."stance' n t in the taste' an& &$in(in/ it 0$ &.ces health an& a s .n& c nstit.ti n1 1*1 Ne# l !e$s a$e c m0a$e& t ne# #ine9 these a$e "e/inne$s in the se$!ice % G &' "eca.se the %e$! $ % thei$ l !e mani%ests itsel% .t#a$&l+ in the senses9 "eca.se the+ ha!e n t settle& n the lees % sense' %$ail an& im0e$%ect9 an& "eca.se the+ meas.$e the st$en/th % l !e "+ the s#eetness % it' % $ it is sensi"le s#eetness that $&ina$il+ /i!es them thei$ st$en/th % $ / & # $(s' an& it is "+ this the+ a$e in%l.ence&9 #e m.st' the$e% $e' 0lace n c n%i&ence in this l !e till the %e$mentati n has s."si&e&' #ith the c a$se satis%acti n % sense1 161 F $ as these %e$! $s an& sensi"le #a$mth ma+ incline men t / & an& 0e$%ect l !e' an& se$!e as an e5cellent means t it' #hen the lees % im0e$%ecti ns a$e clea$e&9 s als is it !e$+ eas+ at %i$st' #hen sensi"le s#eetness is %$esh' % $ the #ine % l !e t %ail' an& the s#eetness % the ne# t !anish1 Ne# l !e$s a$e al#a+s an5i .s' sensi"l+ t $mente& "+ thei$ l !e9 it is necessa$+ % $ them t 0.t s me $est$aint .0 n themsel!es' % $ i% the+ a$e !e$+ acti!e in the st$en/th % this #ine' thei$ nat.$al 0 #e$s #ill "e $.ine& #ith these an5ieties an& %ati/.es % the ne# #ine' #hich is $ ./h an& sha$0' an& n t ma&e s#eet in the 0e$%ect %e$mentati n' #hich then ta(es 0lace #hen the an5ieties % l !e a$e !e$' as I shall sh # imme&iatel+1 1:1 The )ise Man em0l +s the same ill.st$ati n9 sa+in/' ,A ne# %$ien& is as ne# #ine9 it shall /$ # l&' an& + . shall &$in( it #ith 0leas.$e1- *B6 Ol& l !e$s' the$e% $e' #h ha!e "een t$ie& an& 0$ !e& in the se$!ice % the B$i&e/$ m' a$e li(e l& #ine settle& n the lees9 the+ ha!e n sensi"le em ti ns' n $ .t".$sts % e5te$i $ 4eal' ".t the+ taste the s#eetness % the #ine % l !e' n # th $ ./hl+ %e$mente&' n t s#eet t the senses as #as that % the l !e % "e/inne$s' ".t $athe$ settle& #ithin the s .l in the s."stance an& s#eetness % the s0i$it' an& in 0e$%ect / & # $(s1 S.ch s .ls as these & n t see( a%te$ sensi"le s#eetness an& %e$! $s' neithe$ & the+ #ish % $ them' lest the+ sh .l& s.%%e$ %$ m l athin/ an& #ea$iness9 % $ he #h /i!es the $eins t his &esi$es in matte$s % sense m.st % necessit+ s.%%e$ 0ain an& l athin/' " th in min& an& " &+1 1A1 Ol& l !e$s' the$e% $e' %$ee %$ m that s0i$it.al s#eetness #hich has its $ ts in the senses' s.%%e$ neithe$ in sense n $ s0i$it %$ m the an5ieties % l !e' an& th.s sca$cel+ e!e$ 0$ !e %aithless t G &' "eca.se the+ ha!e $isen a" !e that #hich mi/ht "e an ccasi n % %allin/' namel+' the %lesh1 These n # &$in( % the #ine % l !e' #hich is n t nl+ %e$mente& an& %$ee %$ m the lees' ".t s0ice& als #ith the a$ matic he$"s % 0e$%ect !i$t.es' #hich #ill n t all # it t c $$.0t' as ma+ ha00en t ne# #ine1
*B6 Eccl.s1 G?1A
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
1@1 F $ this ca.se an l& %$ien& is % /$eat 0$ice in the e+es % G &? ,F $sa(e n t an l& %$ien&' % $ the ne# #ill n t "e li(e t him1- *B: It is th$ ./h this #ine % l !e' t$ie& an& s0ice&' that the &i!ine Bel !e& 0$ &.ces in the s .l that &i!ine ine"$iati n' .n&e$ the in%l.ence % #hich it sen&s % $th t G & the s#eet an& &elici .s .t0 .$in/s1 The meanin/ % these th$ee lines' the$e% $e' is as % ll #s? ,At the t .ch % the %i$e' "+ #hich 2 . sti$ .0 the s .l' an& "+ the s0ice& #ine #ith #hich 2 . & s l !in/l+ ine"$iate it' the s .l 0 .$s % $th the acts an& m !ements % l !e #hich a$e 2 .$ # $( #ithin it1NOTE SUCH' then' is the state % the "lesse& s .l in the "e& % %l #e$s' #he$e all these "lessin/s' an& man+ m $e' a$e /$ante& it1 The seat % that "e& is the S n % G &' an& the han/in/s % it a$e the cha$it+ an& l !e % the B$i&e/$ m Himsel%1 The s .l n # ma+ sa+' #ith the "$i&e' ,His le%t han& is .n&e$ m+ hea&'- *BA an& #e ma+ the$e% $e sa+' in t$.th' that s.ch a s .l is cl the& in G &' an& "athe& in the Di!init+' an& that' n t as it #e$e n the s.$%ace' ".t in the inte$i $ s0i$it' an& %ille& #ith the &i!ine &eli/hts in the a".n&ance % the s0i$it.al #ate$s % li%e9 % $ it e50e$iences that #hich Da!i& sa+s % th se #h ha!e &$a#n nea$ t G &? ,The+ shall "e ine"$iate& #ith the 0lent+ % 2 .$ h .se' an& 2 . shall ma(e them &$in( % the t $$ent % 2 .$ 0leas.$e' % $ #ith 2 . is the % .ntain % li%e1-*B@ *1 This %.llness #ill "e in the !e$+ "ein/ % the s .l' seein/ that its &$in( is n thin/ else ".t the t $$ent % &eli/hts' an& that t $$ent the H l+ S0i$it' as it is #$itten? ,An& he sh #e& me a $i!e$ % li!in/ #ate$' clea$ as c$+stal' 0$ cee&in/ %$ m the th$ ne % G & an& the Lam"1-*BD This #ate$' "ein/ the !e$+ l !e itsel% % G &' %l #s int the s .l' s that it &$in(s % the t $$ent % l !e' #hich is the s0i$it % the B$i&e/$ m in%.se& int the s .l in .ni n1 Thence the s .l in the !e$%l #in/ % its l !e sin/s the % ll #in/ stan4a?
1B
1A
*B
*A
*B: Eccl.s1 G?1: *BA Cant1 *?@ *B@ Ps1 6A?G *BD Re!1 **?1
STANZA XXVI
A In the inner ellar Of my Beloved have I drunk! and when I went forth Over all the "lain I knew nothing, And lost the flo k I followed before. HERE the s .l s0ea(s % that s !e$ei/n /$ace % G & in ta(in/ it t Himsel% int the h .se % His l !e' #hich is the .ni n' $ t$ans% $mati n % l !e in G &1 It &esc$i"es t# e%%ects 0$ cee&in/ the$e%$ m? % $/et%.lness %' an& &etachment %$ m' all the thin/s % this # $l&' an& the m $ti%icati n % its tastes an& &esi$es1 8In the inner ellar.9 *1 In $&e$ t e50lain in an+ &e/$ee the meanin/ % this' I ha!e nee& % the s0ecial hel0 % the H l+ S0i$it t &i$ect m+ han& an& /.i&e m+ 0en1 The cella$ is the hi/hest &e/$ee % l !e t #hich the s .l ma+ attain in this li%e' an& is the$e% $e sai& t "e the inne$1 It % ll #s %$ m this that the$e a$e the$ cella$s n t s inte$i $9 that is' the &e/$ees % l !e "+ #hich s .ls $each this' the last1 These cella$s a$e se!en in n.m"e$' an& the s .l has ente$e& int them all #hen it has in 0e$%ecti n the se!en /i%ts % the H l+ S0i$it' s %a$ as it is 0 ssi"le % $ it1 )hen the s .l has the s0i$it % %ea$ in 0e$%ecti n' it has in 0e$%ecti n als the s0i$it % l !e' inasm.ch as this %ea$' the last % the se!en /i%ts' is %ilial %ea$' an& the 0e$%ect %ea$ % a s n 0$ cee&s %$ m his 0e$%ect l !e % his %athe$1 Th.s #hen the H l+ Sc$i0t.$e s0ea(s % ne as ha!in/ 0e$%ect cha$it+' it sa+s % him that he %ea$s G &1 S the 0$ 0het Isaiah' ann .ncin/ the 0e$%ecti ns % Ch$ist' sa+s % Him' ,The s0i$it % the %ea$ % the L $& shall $e0lenish him1- *B> H l+ Sime n als is s0 (en % "+ the E!an/elist as a ,C.st man %.ll % %ea$'-*BG an& the same a00lies t man+ the$s1 61 Man+ s .ls $each an& ente$ the %i$st cella$' each acc $&in/ t the 0e$%ecti n % its l !e' ".t the last an& inm st cella$ is ente$e& "+ %e# in this # $l&' "eca.se the$ein is #$ ./ht the 0e$%ect .ni n #ith G &' the .ni n % the s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' % #hich the s .l is n # s0ea(in/1 )hat G & c mm.nicates t the s .l in this intimate .ni n is .tte$l+ ine%%a"le' "e+ n& the $each % all 0 ssi"le # $&s3C.st as it is im0 ssi"le t s0ea( % G & Himsel% s as t c n!e+ an+ i&ea % #hat He is3"eca.se it is G & Himsel% #h c mm.nicates Himsel% t the s .l n # in the ma$!el .s "liss % its t$ans% $mati n1 In this state G & an& the s .l a$e .nite&' as the #in& # is #ith the li/ht' $ c al #ith the %i$e' $ the li/ht % the sta$s #ith that % the s.n' +et' h #e!e$' n t s essentiall+ an& c m0letel+ as it #ill "e in the li%e t c me1 The s .l' the$e% $e' t sh # #hat it $ecei!e& %$ m the han&s % G & in the cella$ % #ine' sa+s n thin/ else' an& I & n t "elie!e that an+thin/ c .l& "e sai& ".t the # $&s #hich % ll #? 8Of my Beloved have I drunk.9 :A :1 As a &$a./ht &i%%.ses itsel% th$ ./h all the mem"e$s an& !eins % the " &+' s this c mm.nicati n % G & &i%%.ses itsel% s."stantiall+ in the #h le s .l' $ $athe$' the s .l
*B> Isa1 11?6 *BG L.(e *?*A1 J.st.s et tim $at.s1
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
is t$ans% $me& in G &1 In this t$ans% $mati n the s .l &$in(s % G & in its !e$+ s."stance an& its s0i$it.al 0 #e$s1 In the .n&e$stan&in/ it &$in(s #is& m an& (n #le&/e' in the #ill the s#eetest l !e' in the mem $+ $e%$eshment an& &eli/ht in the th ./ht an& sense % its "liss1 That the s .l $ecei!es an& &$in(s &eli/ht in its !e$+ s."stance' a00ea$s %$ m the # $&s % the "$i&e in the Canticle? ,M+ s .l melte& as He s0 (e-*1B3that is' #hen the B$i&e/$ m c mm.nicate& Himsel% t the s .l1 A1 That the .n&e$stan&in/ &$in(s #is& m is e!i&ent %$ m the # $&s % the "$i&e l n/in/ an& 0$a+in/ % $ the (iss % .ni n? ,The$e 2 . shall teach me' an& I #ill /i!e + . a c.0 % s0ice& #ine1-*11 ,2 . shall teach me #is& m an& (n #le&/e in l !e' an& I #ill /i!e 2 . a c.0 % s0ice& #ine3that is' m+ l !e min/le& #ith 2 .$s1- The "$i&e sa+s that the #ill als &$in(s % l !e' sa+in/? ,He "$ ./ht me int the cella$ % #ine9 He has $&e$e& in me cha$it+'-*1*3that is' ,He /a!e me His l !e' em"$acin/ me' t &$in( % l !e-9 $' t s0ea( m $e clea$l+' ,He $&e$e& in me His cha$it+' tem0e$in/ His cha$it+ an& t the 0.$0 se ma(in/ it mine1- This is t /i!e the s .l t &$in( % the !e$+ l !e % its Bel !e&' #hich the Bel !e& in%.ses int it1 @1 The$e is a c mm n sa+in/ that the #ill cann t l !e that % #hich the .n&e$stan&in/ has n (n #le&/e1 This' h #e!e$' is t "e .n&e$st & in the $&e$ % nat.$e' it "ein/ im0 ssi"le' in a nat.$al #a+' t l !e an+thin/ .nless #e %i$st (n # #hat it is #e l !e1 B.t in a s.0e$nat.$al #a+ G & can ce$tainl+ in%.se l !e an& inc$ease it #ith .t in%.sin/ an& inc$easin/ &istinct (n #le&/e' as is e!i&ent %$ m the te5ts al$ea&+ 7. te&1 2es' man+ s0i$it.al 0e$s ns ha!e e50e$ience % this9 thei$ l !e % G & ".$ns m $e an& m $e' #hile thei$ (n #le&/e & es n t /$ #1 Men ma+ (n # little an& l !e m.ch' an& n the the$ han&' (n # m.ch an& l !e ".t little1 D1 In /ene$al' th se s0i$it.al 0e$s ns #h se (n #le&/e % G & is n t !e$+ /$eat a$e .s.all+ !e$+ $ich in all that "el n/s t the #ill' an& in%.se& %aith s.%%ices them % $ this (n #le&/e' "+ means % #hich G & in%.ses an& inc$eases cha$it+ in them an& the acts the$e %' #hich a$e t l !e Him m $e an& m $e th ./h (n #le&/e is n t inc$ease&1 Th.s the #ill ma+ &$in( % l !e #hile the .n&e$stan&in/ &$in(s in n %$esh (n #le&/e1 In the 0$esent instance' h #e!e$' all the 0 #e$s % the s .l t /ethe$' "eca.se % the .ni n in the inne$ cella$' &$in( % the Bel !e&1 >1 As t the mem $+' it is clea$ that the s .l &$in(s % the Bel !e& in it' "eca.se it is enli/htene& #ith the li/ht % the .n&e$stan&in/ in $emem"e$in/ the "lessin/s it 0 ssesses an& enC +s in .ni n #ith the Bel !e&1 8And when I went forth.9
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B G1 That is' a%te$ this /$ace? the &i!ine &$a./ht ha!in/ s &ei%ie& the s .l' e5alte& it' an& ine"$iate& it in G &1 Th ./h the s .l is al#a+s in the hi/h estate % ma$$ia/e e!e$ since G & has 0lace& it the$e' ne!e$theless act.al .ni n in all its 0 #e$s is n t c ntin. .s' th ./h the s."stantial .ni n is1 In this s."stantial .ni n the 0 #e$s % the s .l a$e m st %$e7.entl+ in .ni n' an& &$in( % His cella$' the .n&e$stan&in/ "+ (n #le&/e' the #ill "+ l !e' etc1 )e a$e n t' the$e% $e' t s.00 se that the s .l' #hen sa+in/ that it #ent .t' has cease& %$ m its s."stantial $ essential .ni n #ith G &' ".t nl+ %$ m the .ni n %
*1B Cant1 A?@ *11 Cant1 >?* *1* Cant1 *?:
:A
its %ac.lties' #hich is n t' an& cann t "e' 0e$manent in this li%e9 it is %$ m this .ni n' then' it #ent % $th #hen it #an&e$e& !e$ all the 0lain3that is' th$ ./h the #h le "$ea&th % the # $l&1 A 8I knew nothing.9 1B1 This &$a./ht % G &Ls m st &ee0 #is& m ma(es the s .l % $/et all the thin/s % this # $l&' an& c nsi&e$ all its 0$e!i .s (n #le&/e' an& the (n #le&/e % the #h le # $l& "esi&es' as 0.$e i/n $ance in c m0a$is n #ith this (n #le&/e1 1B 111 F $ a clea$e$ .n&e$stan&in/ % this' #e m.st $emem"e$ that the m st $e/.la$ ca.se % the s .lLs i/n $in/ the thin/s % the # $l&' #hen it has ascen&e& t this hi/h state' is that it is in% $me& "+ a s.0e$nat.$al (n #le&/e' in the 0$esence % #hich all nat.$al an& # $l&l+ (n #le&/e is i/n $ance $athe$ than (n #le&/e1 F $ the s .l in 0 ssessi n % this (n #le&/e' #hich is m st 0$ % .n&' lea$ns %$ m it that all the$ (n #le&/e n t incl.&e& in this (n #le&/e is n t (n #le&/e' ".t i/n $ance' an& # $thless1 )e ha!e this t$.th in the # $&s % the A0 stle #hen he sai& that ,the #is& m % this # $l& is % lishness #ith G &1-*16 1*1 This is the $eas n #h+ the s .l sa+s it (n #s n thin/' n # that it has &$.n( % the &i!ine #is& m1 The t$.th is that the #is& m % men an& % the #h le # $l& is me$e i/n $ance' an& n t &ese$!in/ an+ attenti n' ".t it is a t$.th that can "e lea$ne& nl+ in that t$.th % the 0$esence % G & in the s .l c mm.nicatin/ t it His #is& m an& ma(in/ it st$ n/ "+ this &$a./ht % l !e that it ma+ see it &istinctl+1 This is ta./ht .s "+ S l m n' sa+in/? ,The !isi n that the man s0 (e' #ith #h m G & is' an& #h "ein/ st$en/thene& "+ G & a"i&in/ #ith him' sai&? I am the m st % lish % men' an& the #is& m % men is n t #ith me1-*1: 161 )hen the s .l is $aise& t this hi/h #is& m % G &' the #is& m % man is in its e+es the l #est i/n $ance? all nat.$al science an& the # $(s % G &' i% acc m0anie& "+ i/n $ance % Him' a$e as i/n $ance9 % $ #he$e He is n t (n #n' the$e n thin/ is (n #n1 ,The &ee0 thin/s % G & a$e % lishness t men1-*1A Th.s the &i!inel+ #ise an& the # $l&l+ #ise a$e % ls in the estimati n % each the$9 % $ the latte$ cann t .n&e$stan& the #is& m an& science % G &' n $ the % $me$ th se % the # $l&' % $ the #is& m % the # $l& is i/n $ance in c m0a$is n #ith the #is& m % G &9 an& the #is& m % G & is i/n $ance #ith $es0ect t that % the # $l&1 1:1 M $e !e$' this &ei%icati n an& ele!ati n % the s0i$it in G &' #he$e"+ the s .l is' as it #e$e' $a0t an& a"s $"e& in l !e' ne #ith G &' s.%%e$ it n t t &#ell .0 n an+ # $l&l+ matte$1 The s .l is n # &etache&' n t nl+ %$ m all .t#a$& thin/s' ".t e!en %$ m itsel%? it is' as it #e$e' .n& ne' ass.me& "+' an& &iss l!e& in' l !e3that is' it 0asses .t % itsel% int the Bel !e&1 Th.s the "$i&e' in the Canticle' a%te$ s0ea(in/ % he$ #n t$ans% $mati n "+ l !e int the Bel !e&' e50$esses he$ state % i/n $ance "+ the # $&s ,I (ne# n t1-*1@ The s .l is n #' in a ce$tain sense' li(e A&am in 0a$a&ise' #h (ne# n e!il1 It is s inn cent that it sees n e!il9 neithe$ & es it c nsi&e$ an+thin/ t "e amiss1 It #ill hea$ m.ch that is e!il' an& #ill see it #ith its e+es' an& +et it shall n t "e a"le t
*16 1 C $1 6?1G *1: P$ !1 6B?1'* *1A 1 C $1 *?1: *1@ Cant1 @?11
1A
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*A
6B
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.n&e$stan& it' "eca.se it has n e!il ha"its #he$e"+ t C.&/e % it1 G & has $ te& .t % it th se im0e$%ect ha"its an& that i/n $ance $es.ltin/ %$ m the e!il % sin' "+ the 0e$%ect ha"it % t$.e #is& m1 Th.s' als ' the s .l (n #s n thin/ n this s."Cect1 A 1A1 S.ch a s .l #ill sca$cel+ inte$me&&le #ith the a%%ai$s % the$s' "eca.se it % $/ets e!en its #n9 % $ the # $( % the S0i$it % G & in the s .l in #hich He &#ells is t incline it t i/n $e th se thin/s #hich & n t c nce$n it' es0eciall+ s.ch as & n t ministe$ t e&i%icati n1 The S0i$it % G & a"i&es #ithin the s .l t #ith&$a# it %$ m .t#a$& thin/s $athe$ than t lea& it am n/ them9 an& th.s the s .l (n #s n thin/ as it (ne# it % $me$l+1 )e a$e n t' h #e!e$' t s.00 se that it l ses the ha"its % (n #le&/e 0$e!i .sl+ ac7.i$e&' % $ th se ha"its a$e im0$ !e& "+ the m $e 0e$%ect ha"it % s.0e$nat.$al (n #le&/e in%.se&' th ./h these ha"its a$e n t s 0 #e$%.l as t necessitate (n #le&/e th$ ./h them' an& +et the$e is n $eas n #h+ the+ sh .l& n t & s ccasi nall+1 1@1 In this .ni n % the &i!ine #is& m' these ha"its a$e .nite& #ith the hi/he$ #is& m % the$ (n #le&/e' as a little li/ht #ith an the$ #hich is /$eat9 it is the /$eat li/ht that shines' !e$#helmin/ the less' +et the latte$ is n t the$e% $e l st' ".t $athe$ 0e$%ecte&' th ./h it is n t the li/ht #hich shines 0$eJeminentl+1 Th.s' I ima/ine' #ill it "e in hea!en9 the ac7.i$e& ha"its % (n #le&/e in the C.st #ill n t "e &est$ +e&' th ./h the+ #ill "e % n /$eat im0 $tance the$e' seein/ that the C.st #ill (n # m $e in the &i!ine #is& m than "+ the ha"its ac7.i$e& n ea$th1 1D1 B.t the 0a$tic.la$ n ti ns an& % $ms % thin/s' acts % the ima/inati n' an& e!e$+ the$ a00$ehensi n ha!in/ % $m an& %i/.$e a$e all l st an& i/n $e& in this a"s $"in/ l !e' an& this % $ t# $eas ns1 Fi$st' the s .l cann t act.all+ atten& t an+thin/ % the (in&' "eca.se it is act.all+ a"s $"e& "+ this &$a./ht % l !e1 Sec n&l+' an& this is the 0$inci0al $eas n' its t$ans% $mati n in G & s c n% $ms it t His 0.$it+ an& sim0licit+3 % $ the$e is n % $m $ ima/ina$+ %i/.$e in Him3as t $en&e$ it 0.$e' cleanse& an& em0t+ % all the % $ms an& %i/.$es it ente$taine& "e% $e' "ein/ n # 0.$i%ie& an& enli/htene& in sim0le c ntem0lati n1 All s0 ts an& stains in the /lass "ec me in!isi"le #hen the s.n shines .0 n it' ".t the+ a00ea$ a/ain as s n as the li/ht % the s.n is #ithhel&1 1>1 S is it #ith the s .l9 #hile the e%%ects % this act % l !e c ntin.e' this i/n $ance c ntin.es als ' s that it cann t "se$!e an+thin/ in 0a$tic.la$ .ntil these e%%ects ha!e cease&1 L !e has set the s .l n %i$e an& t$ansm.te& it int l !e' has annihilate& it an& &est$ +e& it as t all that is n t l !e' acc $&in/ t the # $&s % Da!i&? ,M+ hea$t has "een in%lame&' an& m+ $eins ha!e "een chan/e&9 an& I am "$ ./ht t n thin/' an& I (ne# n t1-*1D The chan/in/ % the $eins' "eca.se the hea$t is in%lame&' is the chan/in/ % the s .l' in all its &esi$es an& acti ns' in G &' int a ne# manne$ % li%e' the .tte$ .n& in/ an& annihilati n % the l& man' an& the$e% $e the 0$ 0het sai& that he #as "$ ./ht t n thin/ an& (ne# n t1 1G1 These a$e the t# e%%ects % &$in(in/ the #ine % the cella$ % G &9 n t nl+ is all 0$e!i .s (n #le&/e "$ ./ht t n thin/ an& ma&e t !anish' ".t the l& li%e als #ith its im0e$%ecti ns is &est$ +e&' an& int the ne# man $ene#e&9 this is the sec n& % the t# e%%ects &esc$i"e& in the # $&s that % ll #?
*1D Ps1 D*?*1'**
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8And lost the flo k I followed before.9 *B1 Until the s .l $eaches the state % 0e$%ecti n' h #e!e$ s0i$it.al it ma+ "e' the$e al#a+s $emains a t$ 0 % &esi$es' li(in/s' an& the$ im0e$%ecti ns' s metimes nat.$al' s metimes s0i$it.al' a%te$ #hich it $.ns' an& #hich it t$ies t %ee& #hile % ll #in/ an& satis%+in/ them1 )ith $e/a$& t the .n&e$stan&in/' the$e a$e ce$tain im0e$%ecti ns % the &esi$e % (n #le&/e1 )ith $e/a$& t the #ill' ce$tain li(in/s an& 0ec.lia$ &esi$es' at times in tem0 $al thin/s' as the #ish t 0 ssess ce$tain t$i%les' an& attachment t s me thin/s m $e than t the$s' ce$tain 0$eC.&ices' c nsi&e$ati ns' an& 0.nctili s' #ith the$ !anities' still sa! $in/ % the # $l&? an& a/ain in nat.$al thin/s' s.ch as eatin/ an& &$in(in/' the 0$e%e$ence % ne (in& % % & !e$ an the$' an& the ch ice % the "est? at an the$ time' in s0i$it.al thin/s' s.ch as see(in/ % $ s#eetness' an& the$ % llies % s0i$it.al 0e$s ns n t +et 0e$%ect' t n.me$ .s t $ec .nt he$e1 As t the mem $+' the$e a$e man+ inc nsistencies' an5ieties' .nseeml+ $eminiscences' #hich &$a/ the s .l ca0ti!e a%te$ them1 *11 The % .$ 0assi ns % the s .l als in! l!e it in man+ .seless h 0es' C +s' /$ie%s' an& %ea$s' a%te$ #hich it $.ns1 As t this %l c(' s me men a$e m $e in%l.ence& "+ it than the$s9 the+ $.n a%te$ an& % ll # it' .ntil the+ ente$ the inne$ cella$' #he$e the+ l se it alt /ethe$' "ein/ then t$ans% $me& in l !e1 In that cella$ the %l c( % im0e$%ecti ns is easil+ &est$ +e&' as $.st an& m l& n metal in the %i$e1 Then the s .l %eels itsel% %$ee %$ m the 0ettiness % sel%Jli(in/s an& the !anities a%te$ #hich it $an "e% $e' an& ma+ #ell sa+' ,I ha!e l st the %l c( #hich I % ll #e& "e% $e1NOTE GOD c mm.nicates Himsel% t the s .l in this inte$i $ .ni n #ith a l !e s intense that the l !e % a m the$' #h s ten&e$l+ ca$esses he$ chil&' the l !e % a "$ the$' $ the a%%ecti n % a %$ien& "ea$ n li(eness t it' % $ s /$eat is the ten&e$ness' an& s &ee0 is the l !e #ith #hich the In%inite Fathe$ c m% $ts an& e5alts the h.m"le an& l !in/ s .l1 O # n&e$s # $th+ % all a#e an& $e!e$enceM He h.m"les Himsel% in $ealit+ "e% $e that s .l that He ma+ e5alt it' as i% He #e$e its se$!ant' an& the s .l His l $&1 He is as an5i .s t c m% $t it as i% He #e$e a sla!e' an& the s .l G &1 S /$eat is the h.milit+ an& ten&e$ness % G &1 In this c mm.ni n % l !e He $en&e$s in a ce$tain #a+ th se se$!ices t the s .l #hich He sa+s in the G s0el He #ill 0e$% $m % $ the elect in hea!en1 ,Amen' I sa+ t + .' that He #ill /i$& Himsel% an& ma(e them sit & #n t meat' an& 0assin/ #ill ministe$ t them1-*1> *1 This !e$+ se$!ice He $en&e$s n # t the s .l' c m% $tin/ an& che$ishin/ it' as a m the$ he$ chil& #h m she n.$t.$es in he$ " s m1 An& the s .l $ec /ni4es he$ein the t$.th % the # $&s % Isaiah' ,2 . shall "e ca$$ie& at the "$easts' an& .0 n the (nees the+ shall ca$ess + .1-*1G )hat m.st the %eelin/s % the s .l "e ami& these s !e$ei/n /$aces8 H # it #ill melt a#a+ in l !e' "eh l&in/ the " s m % G & 0ene& % $ it #ith s.ch !e$%l #in/ l !e1 )hen the s .l 0e$cei!es itsel% in the mi&st % these &eli/hts' it s.$$en&e$s itsel% #h ll+ t G &' /i!es t Him the "$easts % its #n #ill an& l !e' an& .n&e$ the in%l.ence the$e % a&&$esses the Bel !e& in the # $&s % the "$i&e in the Canticle' sa+in/? ,I t m+ Bel !e&' an& His t.$nin/ is t #a$&s me1 C me' m+ Bel !e&' let .s / % $th int the %iel&' let .s a"i&e in the !illa/es1 Let .s $ise ea$l+ t the
*1> L.(e 1*?6D *1G Isa1 @@?1*
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!ine+a$&s' let .s see i% the !ine+a$& %l .$ish' i% the %l #e$s a$e $ea&+ t "$in/ % $th %$.its' i% the 0 me/$anates %l .$ish9 the$e #ill I /i!e 2 . m+ "$easts- **B3that is' ,I #ill em0l + all the C + an& st$en/th % m+ #ill in the se$!ice % 2 .$ l !e1- This m.t.al s.$$en&e$ in this .ni n % the s .l an& G & is the s."Cect % the stan4a #hich % ll #s?
**B Cant1 D?1BJ1*
STANZA XXVII
A #here He gave me His breasts, #here He taught me the s ien e full of sweetness. And there I gave to Him 1yself without reserve! #here I "romised to be His bride. HERE the s .l s0ea(s % the t# c nt$actin/ 0a$ties in this s0i$it.al "et$ thal' itsel% an& G &1 In the inne$ cella$ % l !e the+ " th met t /ethe$' G & /i!in/ t the s .l the "$easts % His l !e %$eel+' #he$e"+ He inst$.cts it in His m+ste$ies an& #is& m' an& the s .l als act.all+ s.$$en&e$in/ itsel%' ma(in/ n $ese$!ati n #hate!e$ eithe$ in its #n %a! $ $ in that % the$s' 0$ misin/ t "e His % $ e!e$1 8#here He gave me His breasts.9 *1 T /i!e the "$east t an the$ is t l !e an& che$ish him an& c mm.nicate neLs sec$ets t him as a %$ien&1 The s .l sa+s he$e that G & /a!e it His "$easts3that is' He /a!e it His l !e an& c mm.nicate& His sec$ets t it1 It is th.s that G & &eals #ith the s .l in this state' an& m $e' t ' as it a00ea$s %$ m the # $&s that % ll #? 8#here He taught me the s ien e full of sweetness.9 *A 61 This science is m+stical the l /+' #hich is the sec$et science % G &' an& #hich s0i$it.al men call c ntem0lati n1 It is m st %.ll % s#eetness "eca.se it is (n #le&/e "+ l !e' l !e is the maste$ % it' an& it is l !e that $en&e$s it all s s#eet1 Inasm.ch as this science an& (n #le&/e a$e c mm.nicate& t the s .l in that l !e #ith #hich G & c mm.nicates Himsel%' it is s#eet t the .n&e$stan&in/' "eca.se (n #le&/e "el n/s t it' an& s#eet t the #ill' "eca.se it c mes "+ l !e #hich "el n/s t the #ill1 8#here I gave to Him myself without reserve9 6A :1 The s .l in this s#eet &$a./ht % G &' s.$$en&e$s itsel% #h ll+ t Him m st #illin/l+ an& #ith /$eat s#eetness9 it &esi$es t "e #h ll+ His' an& ne!e$ t $etain an+thin/ #hich is .n"ec min/ His MaCest+1 G & is the a.th $ % this .ni n' an& % the 0.$it+ an& 0e$%ecti n $e7.isite % $ it9 an& as the t$ans% $mati n % the s .l in Himsel% ma(es it His' He em0ties it % all that is alien t Himsel%1 Th.s it c mes t 0ass that' n t in #ill nl+' ".t in act as #ell' the #h le s .l is enti$el+ /i!en t G & #ith .t an+ $ese$!e #hate!e$' as G & has /i!en Himsel% %$eel+ t it1 The #ill % G & an& % the s .l a$e " th satis%ie&' each /i!en .0 t the the$' in m.t.al &eli/ht' s that neithe$ %ails the the$ in the %aith an& c nstanc+ % the "et$ thal9 the$e% $e the s .l sa+s? 8#here I "romised to be His bride.9 :A A1 As a "$i&e & es n t /i!e he$ l !e t an the$' an& as all he$ th ./hts an& acti ns a$e &i$ecte& t he$ "$i&e/$ m nl+' s the s .l n # has n a%%ecti ns % the #ill' n acts % the .n&e$stan&in/' neithe$ "Cect n $ cc.0ati n % an+ (in& #hich it & es n t #h ll+ $e%e$ t G &' t /ethe$ #ith all its &esi$es1 The s .l is' as it #e$e' a"s $"e& in G &' an&
1B
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e!en its %i$st m !ements ha!e n thin/ in them3s %a$ as it can c m0$ehen& them3 #hich is at !a$iance #ith the #ill % G &1 The %i$st m !ements % an im0e$%ect s .l in /ene$al a$e' at least' incline& t e!il' in the .n&e$stan&in/' the mem $+' the #ill' the &esi$es an& im0e$%ecti ns9 ".t th se % the s .l #hich has attaine& t the s0i$it.al state % #hich I am s0ea(in/ a$e $&ina$il+ &i$ecte& t G &' "eca.se % the /$eat hel0 an& c .$a/e it &e$i!es %$ m Him' an& its 0e$%ect c n!e$si n t / &ness1 This is set % $th #ith /$eat clea$ness "+ Da!i&' #hen he sa+s? ,Shall n t m+ s .l "e s."Cect t G &8 F $ %$ m Him is m+ sal!ati n1 F $ He is m+ G & an& m+ Sa!i $9 He is m+ 0$ tect $' I shall "e m !e& n m $e1-**1 ,He is m+ 0$ tect $- means that the s .l' "ein/ n # $ecei!e& .n&e$ the 0$ tecti n % G & an& .nite& t Him' is n l n/e$ s."Cect t an+ m !ements c nt$a$+ t G &1 @1 It is 7.ite clea$ %$ m this that the s .l #hich has attaine& the s0i$it.al "et$ thal (n #s n thin/ else ".t the l !e % the B$i&e/$ m an& the &eli/hts the$e %' "eca.se it has a$$i!e& at 0e$%ecti n' the % $m an& s."stance % #hich is l !e' acc $&in/ t St1 Pa.l1 *** The m $e a s .l l !es' the m $e 0e$%ect it is in its l !e' an& hence it % ll #s that the s .l #hich is al$ea&+ 0e$%ect is' i% #e ma+ sa+ s ' all l !e' all its acti ns a$e l !e' all its ene$/ies an& st$en/th a$e cc.0ie& in l !e1 It /i!es .0 all it has' li(e the #ise me$chant'**6 % $ this t$eas.$e % l !e #hich it %in&s hi&&en in G &' an& #hich is s 0$eci .s in His si/ht' an& the Bel !e& ca$es % $ n thin/ else ".t l !e9 the s .l' the$e% $e' an5i .s t 0lease Him 0e$%ectl+' cc.0ies itsel% #h ll+ in 0.$e l !e % $ G &' n t nl+ "eca.se l !e & es s cc.0+ it' ".t als "eca.se the l !e #he$ein it is .nite& in%l.ences it t #a$&s l !e % G & in an& th$ ./h all thin/s1 As the "ee &$a#s h ne+ %$ m all 0lants' an& ma(es .se % them nl+ % $ that en&' s the s .l m st easil+ &$a#s the s#eetness % l !e %$ m all that ha00ens t it9 ma(es all thin/s s."se$!e it t #a$&s l !in/ G &' #hethe$ the+ a$e s#eet $ "itte$9 an& "ein/ animate& an& 0$ tecte& "+ l !e' has n sense' %eelin/' $ (n #le&/e' "eca.se' as I ha!e sai&' it (n #s n thin/ ".t l !e' an& in all its cc.0ati ns' its C + is its l !e % G &1 This is e50laine& "+ the % ll #in/ stan4a1 NOTE I HA<E sai& that G & is 0lease& #ith n thin/ ".t l !e9 ".t "e% $e I e50lain this' it #ill "e as #ell t set % $th the /$ .n&s n #hich the asse$ti n $ests1 All .$ # $(s' an& all .$ la" $s' h #e!e$ /$an& the+ ma+ "e' a$e n thin/ in the si/ht % G &' % $ #e can /i!e Him n thin/' neithe$ can #e "+ them %.l%ill His &esi$e' #hich is the /$ #th % .$ s .l1 As t Himsel% He &esi$es n thin/ % this' % $ He has nee& % n thin/' an& s ' i% He is 0lease& #ith an+thin/ it is #ith the /$ #th % the s .l9 an& as the$e is n #a+ in #hich the s .l can /$ # ".t in "ec min/ in a manne$ e7.al t Him' % $ this $eas n He is nl+ 0lease& #ith .$ l !e1 It is the 0$ 0e$t+ % l !e t 0lace him #h l !es n an e7.alit+ #ith the "Cect % his l !e1 Hence the s .l' "eca.se % its 0e$%ect l !e' is calle& the "$i&e % the S n % G &' #hich si/ni%ies e7.alit+ #ith Him1 In this e7.alit+ an& %$ien&shi0 all thin/s a$e c mm n' as the B$i&e/$ m Himsel% sai& t His &isci0les? ,I ha!e calle& + . %$ien&s' "eca.se all thin/s' #hats e!e$ I ha!e hea$& % m+ Fathe$' I ha!e ma&e (n #n t + .1-**:
**1 Ps1 @1?*'6 *** C l1 6?1: **6 Matt1 16?:: **: J hn 1A?1A
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:A
STANZA XXVIII
A 1y soul is o u"ied, And all my substan e in His servi e! +ow I guard no flo k, +or have I any other em"loyment0 1y sole o u"ation is love. THE s .l' $ $athe$ the "$i&e ha!in/ /i!en he$sel% #h ll+ t the B$i&e/$ m #ith .t an+ $ese$!e #hate!e$' n # $ec .nts t the Bel !e& h # she %.l%ills he$ tas(1 ,M+ s .l an& " &+'- she sa+s' ,all m+ a"ilities an& all m+ ca0acities' a$e cc.0ie& n t #ith the$ matte$s' ".t #ith th se 0e$tainin/ t the se$!ice % the B$i&e/$ m1- She is the$e% $e n t see(in/ he$ #n 0$ 0e$ satis%acti n' n $ the /$ati%icati n % he$ #n inclinati ns' neithe$ & es she cc.0+ he$sel% in an+thin/ #hate!e$ #hich is alien t G &9 +es' e!en he$ c mm.ni n #ith G & Himsel% is n thin/ else ".t acts % l !e' inasm.ch as she has chan/e& he$ % $me$ m &e % c n!e$sin/ #ith Him int l !in/1 81y soul is o u"ied.9 *B *1 This $e%e$s t the s .lLs s.$$en&e$ % itsel% t the Bel !e& in this .ni n % l !e' #he$ein it &e! tes itsel%' #ith all its %ac.lties' .n&e$stan&in/' #ill' an& mem $+' t His se$!ice1 The .n&e$stan&in/ is cc.0ie& in c nsi&e$in/ #hat m st ten&s t His se$!ice' in $&e$ that it mi/ht "e acc m0lishe&9 the #ill in l !in/ all that is 0leasin/ t G &' an& in &esi$in/ Him in all thin/s9 the mem $+ in $ecallin/ #hat ministe$s t Him' an& #hat ma+ "e m $e 0leasin/ t Him1 8And all my substan e in His servi e.9 6B 61 B+ s."stance he$e is meant all that $elates t the sens.al 0a$t % the s .l' #hich incl.&es the " &+' #ith all its 0 #e$s' inte$i $ an& e5te$i $' t /ethe$ #ith all its nat.$al ca0acities3that is' the % .$ 0assi ns' the nat.$al &esi$es' an& the #h le s."stance % the s .l' all % #hich is em0l +e& in the se$!ice % the Bel !e&' as #ell as the $ati nal an& s0i$it.al 0a$t' as I e50laine& in the 0$e!i .s secti n1 As t the " &+' that is n # $&e$e& acc $&in/ t G & in all its inte$i $ an& e5te$i $ senses' all the acts % #hich a$e &i$ecte& t G &9 the % .$ 0assi ns % the s .l a$e als .n&e$ c nt$ l in Him9 % $ the s .lLs C +' h 0e' %ea$' an& /$ie% a$e c n!e$sant #ith G & nl+9 all its a00etites' an& all its an5ieties als ' a$e &i$ecte& t Him nl+1 :1 The #h le s."stance % the s .l is n # s cc.0ie& #ith G &' s intent .0 n Him' that its !e$+ %i$st m !ements' e!en ina&!e$tentl+' ha!e G & % $ thei$ "Cect an& thei$ en&1 The .n&e$stan&in/' mem $+' an& #ill ten& &i$ectl+ t G &9 the a%%ecti ns' senses' &esi$es an& l n/in/s' h 0e an& C +' the #h le s."stance % the s .l' $ise instantl+ t #a$&s G &' th ./h the s .l is ma(in/ n c nsci .s e%% $ts in that &i$ecti n1 S.ch a s .l is !e$+ %ten & in/ the # $( % G &' intent .0 n Him an& the thin/s % G &' #ith .t thin(in/ $ $e%lectin/ n #hat it is & in/ % $ Him1 The c nstant an& ha"it.al 0$actice % this has &e0$i!e& it % all c nsci .s $e%lecti n' an& e!en % that %e$! $ #hich it .s.all+ ha& #hen it "e/an t act1 The #h le s."stance % the s .l "ein/ th.s cc.0ie&' #hat % ll #s cann t "e ".t t$.e als 1
1B
1A
*A
6A
:B
:A
8+ow I guard no flo k.9 A A1 ,I & n t n # / a%te$ m+ li(in/s an& &esi$es9 % $ ha!in/ %i5e& them .0 n G &' I n l n/e$ %ee& $ /.a$& them1- The s .l n t nl+ & es n t /.a$& them n #' ".t has n the$ cc.0ati n than t #ait .0 n G &1 8+or have I any other em"loyment.9 1B @1 Be% $e the s .l s.ccee&e& in e%%ectin/ this /i%t an& s.$$en&e$ % itsel%' an& % all that "el n/s t it' t the Bel !e&' it #as entan/le& in man+ .n0$ %ita"le cc.0ati ns' "+ #hich it s ./ht t 0lease itsel% an& the$s' an& it ma+ "e sai& that its cc.0ati ns % this (in& #e$e as man+ as its ha"its % im0e$%ecti n1 D1 T these ha"its "el n/ that % s0ea(in/' thin(in/' an& the & in/ % thin/s that a$e .seless9 an& li(e#ise' the n t ma(in/ .se % these thin/s acc $&in/ t the $e7.i$ements % the s .lLs 0e$%ecti n9 the$ &esi$es als the s .l ma+ ha!e' #ith #hich it ministe$s t the &esi$es % the$s' t #hich ma+ "e $e%e$$e& &is0la+' c m0liments' %latte$+' h.man $es0ect' aimin/ at "ein/ #ell th ./ht %' an& the /i!in/ 0leas.$e t 0e 0le' an& the$ .seless acti ns' "+ #hich it la" $e& t c ntent them' #astin/ its e%% $ts he$ein' an& %inall+ all its st$en/th1 All this is !e$' sa+s the s .l he$e' % $ all its # $&s' th ./hts' an& # $(s a$e &i$ecte& t G &' an&' c n!e$sant #ith Him' %$ee& %$ m thei$ 0$e!i .s im0e$%ecti ns1 It is as i% it sai&? ,I % ll # n l n/e$ eithe$ m+ #n $ the$ menLs li(in/s' neithe$ & I cc.0+ $ ente$tain m+sel% #ith .seless 0astimes' $ the thin/s % this # $l&181y sole o u"ation is love.9 6B >1 ,All m+ cc.0ati n n # is the 0$actice % the l !e % G &' all the 0 #e$s % s .l an& " &+' mem $+' .n&e$stan&in/' an& #ill' inte$i $ an& e5te$i $ senses' the &esi$es % s0i$it an& % sense' all # $( in an& "+ l !e1 All I & is & ne in l !e9 all I s.%%e$' I s.%%e$ in the s#eetness % l !e1- This is the meanin/ % Da!i& #hen he sai&' ,I #ill (ee0 m+ st$en/th t 2 .1-**A G1 )hen the s .l has a$$i!e& at this state all the acts % its s0i$it.al an& sens.al nat.$e' #hethe$ acti!e $ 0assi!e' an& % #hate!e$ (in& the+ ma+ "e' al#a+s ccasi n an inc$ease % l !e an& &eli/ht in G &? e!en the act % 0$a+e$ an& c mm.ni n #ith G &' #hich #as nce ca$$ie& n "+ $e%lecti ns an& &i!e$se the$ meth &s' is n # #h ll+ an act % l !e1 S m.ch s is this the case that the s .l ma+ al#a+s sa+' #hethe$ cc.0ie& #ith tem0 $al $ s0i$it.al thin/s' ,M+ s le cc.0ati n is l !e1- Ha00+ li%eM ha00+ stateM an& ha00+ the s .l #hich has attaine& t itM #he$e all is the !e$+ s."stance % l !e' the C + .s &eli/hts % the "et$ thal' #hen it ma+ t$.l+ sa+ t the Bel !e& #ith the "$i&e in the Canticle' ,The ne# an& the l&' m+ Bel !e&' ha!e I (e0t % $ 2 .- **@ ,All that is "itte$ an& 0ain%.l I (ee0 % $ 2 .$ sa(e' all that is s#eet an& 0leasant I (ee0 % $ 2 .1The meanin/ % the # $&s' % $ m+ 0.$0 se' is that the s .l' in the state % s0i$it.al "et$ thal' is % $ the m st 0a$t li!in/ in the .ni n % l !e3that is' the #ill is ha"it.all+ #aitin/ l !in/l+ n G &1
**A Ps1 A>?1B **@ Cant1 D?16
1A
*B
*A
6A
:B
:A
NOTE IN t$.th the s .l is n # l st t all thin/s' an& /aine& nl+ t l !e' an& the min& is n l n/e$ cc.0ie& #ith an+thin/ else1 It is' the$e% $e' &e%icient in #hat c nce$ns the acti!e li%e' an& the$ e5te$i $ &.ties' that it ma+ a00l+ in ea$nest t the ne thin/ #hich the B$i&e/$ m has 0$ n .nce& necessa$+9**D an& that is #aitin/ .0 n G &' an& the c ntin. .s 0$actice % His l !e1 S 0$eci .s is this in the e+es % G & that He $e".(e& Ma$tha "eca.se she # .l& #ith&$a# Ma$+ %$ m His %eet t cc.0+ he$ acti!el+ in the se$!ice % .$ L $&1 Ma$tha th ./ht that she #as & in/ e!e$+thin/ he$sel%' an& that Ma$+ at the %eet % Ch$ist #as & in/ n thin/1 B.t it #as %a$ the$#ise? % $ the$e is n thin/ "ette$ $ m $e necessa$+ than l !e1 Th.s' in the Canticle' the B$i&e/$ m 0$ tects the "$i&e' a&C.$in/ the &a./hte$s % Je$.salem3that is' all c$eate& thin/s3n t t &ist.$" he$ s0i$it.al slee0 % l !e' n $ t #a(en he$' n $ t let he$ 0en he$ e+es t an+thin/ till she 0lease&1 ,I a&C.$e + .' O &a./hte$s % Je$.salem' that + . & n t sti$ .0' n $ a#a(e m+ "el !e& till she 0lease1-**> *1 O"se$!e' h #e!e$' that i% the s .l has n t $eache& the state % .niti!e l !e' it is necessa$+ % $ it t ma(e acts % l !e' as #ell in the acti!e as in the c ntem0lati!e li%e1 B.t #hen it has $eache& it' it is n t $e7.isite it sh .l& cc.0+ itsel% in the$ an& e5te$i $ &.ties3.nless the+ a$e matte$s % "li/ati n3#hich mi/ht hin&e$' #e$e it ".t % $ a m ment' the li%e % l !e in G &' th ./h the+ ma+ ministe$ /$eatl+ t His se$!ice9 "eca.se an instant % 0.$e l !e is m $e 0$eci .s in the e+es % G & an& the s .l' an& m $e 0$ %ita"le t the Ch.$ch' than all the$ / & # $(s t /ethe$' th ./h it ma+ seem as i% n thin/ #e$e & ne1 Th.s' Ma$+ Ma/&alene' th ./h he$ 0$eachin/ #as m st e&i%+in/' an& mi/ht ha!e "een still m $e s a%te$#a$&s' .t % the /$eat &esi$e she ha& t 0lease G & an& "ene%it the Ch.$ch' hi& he$sel%' ne!e$theless' in the &ese$t thi$t+ +ea$s' that she mi/ht s.$$en&e$ he$sel% enti$el+ t l !e9 % $ she c nsi&e$e& that she # .l& /ain m $e in that #a+' "eca.se an instant % 0.$e l !e is s m.ch m $e 0$ %ita"le an& im0 $tant t the Ch.$ch1 61 )hen the s .l' then' in an+ &e/$ee 0 ssesses the s0i$it % s lita$+ l !e' #e m.st n t inte$%e$e #ith it1 )e sh .l& in%lict a /$ie! .s #$ n/ .0 n it' an& .0 n the Ch.$ch als ' i% #e #e$e t cc.0+ it' #e$e it nl+ % $ a m ment' in e5te$i $ $ acti!e &.ties' h #e!e$ im0 $tant the+ mi/ht "e1 )hen G & Himsel% a&C.$es all n t t #a(en it %$ m its l !e' #h shall !ent.$e t & s ' an& "e "lameless8 In a # $&' it is % $ this l !e that #e a$e all c$eate&1 Let th se men % 4eal' #h thin( "+ thei$ 0$eachin/ an& e5te$i $ # $(s t c n!e$t the # $l&' c nsi&e$ that the+ # .l& "e m.ch m $e e&i%+in/ t the Ch.$ch' an& m $e 0leasin/ t G &3settin/ asi&e the / & e5am0le the+ # .l& /i!e3i% the+ # .l& s0en& at least ne hal% thei$ time in 0$a+e$' e!en th ./h the+ ma+ ha!e n t attaine& t the state % .niti!e l !e1 Ce$tainl+ the+ # .l& & m $e' an& #ith less t$ ."le' "+ ne sin/le / & # $( than "+ a th .san&? "eca.se % the me$it % thei$ 0$a+e$' an& the s0i$it.al st$en/th it s.00lies1 T act the$#ise is t "eat the ai$' t & little m $e than n thin/' s metimes n thin/ an& ccasi nall+ e!en mischie%9 % $ G & ma+ /i!e .0 s.ch 0e$s ns t !anit+' s that the+ ma+ seem t ha!e & ne s methin/' #hen in $ealit+ thei$ .t#a$& cc.0ati ns "ea$ n %$.it9 % $ it is 7.ite ce$tain that / & # $(s cann t "e & ne ".t in the 0 #e$ % G &1 O h # m.ch mi/ht "e #$itten n this s."CectM this' h #e!e$' is n t the 0lace % $ it1
**D L.(e 1B?:* **> Cant1 6?A
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
:1 I ha!e sai& this t e50lain the stan4a that % ll #s' in #hich the s .l $e0lies t th se #h call in 7.esti n its h l+ t$an7.illit+' #h #ill ha!e it #h ll+ cc.0ie& #ith .t#a$& &.ties' that its li/ht ma+ shine "e% $e the # $l&? these 0e$s ns ha!e n c nce0ti n % the %i"e$s an& the .nseen $ t #hence the sa0 is &$a#n' an& #hich n .$ish the %$.it1
STANZA XXIX
A If then on the ommon land I am no longer seen or found, You will say that I am lost! #hat, being enamored, I lost myself! and yet was found. THE s .l $e0lies he$e t a tacit $e0$ ach1 ) $l&l+ 0e 0le a$e in the ha"it % cens.$in/ th se #h /i!e themsel!es .0 in ea$nest t G &' $e/a$&in/ them as e5t$a!a/ant' in thei$ #ith&$a#al %$ m the # $l&' an& in thei$ manne$ % li%e1 The+ sa+ als % them that the+ a$e .seless % $ all matte$s % im0 $tance' an& l st t e!e$+thin/ the # $l& 0$i4es an& $es0ectsM This $e0$ ach the s .l meets in the "est #a+9 " l&l+ an& c .$a/e .sl+ &es0isin/ it #ith e!e$+thin/ else that the # $l& can la+ t its cha$/e1 Ha!in/ attaine& t a li!in/ l !e % G &' it ma(es little acc .nt % all this9 an& that is n t all? it c n%esses it itsel% in this stan4a' an& " asts that it has c mmitte& that % ll+' an& that it is l st t the # $l& an& t itsel% % $ the Bel !e&1 *1 That #hich the s .l is sa+in/ he$e' a&&$essin/ itsel% t the # $l&' is in s."stance this? ,I% + . see me n l n/e$ cc.0ie& #ith the s."Cects that en/$ sse& me nce' #ith the the$ 0astimes % the # $l&' sa+ an& "elie!e that I am l st t them' an& a st$an/e$ t them' +es' that I am l st % m+ #n ch ice' see(in/ m+ Bel !e& #h m I s /$eatl+ l !e1- B.t that the+ ma+ see that the s .lLs l ss is /ain' an& n t c nsi&e$ it % ll+ an& &el.si n' it a&&s that its l ss #as /ain' an& that it the$e% $e l st itsel% &eli"e$atel+1 8If then on the ommon I am no longer seen or found.9 6B 61 The c mm n is a 0."lic 0lace #he$e 0e 0le assem"le % $ $ec$eati n' an& #he$e she0he$&s %ee& thei$ %l c(s1 B+ the c mm n he$e is meant the # $l& in /ene$al' #he$e men am.se themsel!es an& %ee& the he$& % thei$ &esi$es1 The s .l sa+s t the # $l&l+J min&e&? ,I% + . see me n m $e #he$e I .se& t "e "e% $e I /a!e m+sel% .0 #h ll+ t G &' l ( .0 n me as l st' an& sa+ s -? the s .l $eC ices in that an& # .l& ha!e men s s0ea( % it1 8*ay that I am lost.9 :1 He #h l !es is n t ashame& "e% $e men % #hat he & es % $ G &' neithe$ & es he hi&e it th$ ./h shame th ./h the #h le # $l& sh .l& c n&emn it1 He #h shall "e ashame& t c n%ess the S n % G & "e% $e men' ne/lectin/ t & His # $(' the S n % G & als #ill "e ashame& t ac(n #le&/e him "e% $e His Fathe$1 ,He that shall &en+ Me "e% $e men' I #ill als &en+ him "e% $e M+ Fathe$ )h is in hea!en1- **G The s .l' the$e% $e' in the c .$a/e % its l !e' /l $ies in #hat ministe$s t the h n $ % the Bel !e&' in that it has & ne an+thin/ % $ Him an& is l st t the thin/s % the # $l&1 A1 B.t %e# s0i$it.al 0e$s ns a$$i!e at this 0e$%ect c .$a/e an& $es l.ti n in thei$ c n&.ct1 F $ th ./h s me attem0t t 0$actice it' an& s me e!en thin( themsel!es 0$ %icient the$ein' the+ ne!e$ enti$el+ l se themsel!es n ce$tain 0 ints c nnecte& #ith the # $l&
**G Matt1 1B?66
1B
1A
*B
*A
6A
:B
:A
$ sel%' s as t "e 0e$%ectl+ &etache& % $ the sa(e % Ch$ist' &es0isin/ a00ea$ances an& the 0ini n % the # $l&1 These can ne!e$ ans#e$' ,Sa+ that I am l st'- "eca.se the+ a$e n t l st t themsel!es' an& a$e still ashame& t c n%ess Ch$ist "e% $e men th$ ./h h.man $es0ect9 these & n t the$e% $e $eall+ li!e in Ch$ist1 A 8#hat being enamored,9 That is' 0$acticin/ !i$t.es % $ the l !e % G &' 1B 8I lost myself! and yet was found.9 @1 The s .l $emem"e$s #ell the # $&s % the B$i&e/$ m in the G s0el? ,N man can se$!e t# maste$s9 % $ eithe$ he #ill hate the ne an& l !e the the$'- *6B an& the$e% $e' in $&e$ n t t l se G &' l ses all that is n t G &' that is' all c$eate& thin/s' e!en itsel%' "ein/ l st t all thin/s % $ the l !e % Him1 He #h t$.l+ l !es ma(es a shi0#$ec( % himsel% in all else that he ma+ /ain the m $e in the "Cect % his l !e1 Th.s the s .l sa+s that it has l st itsel%3that is' &eli"e$atel+' % set 0.$0 se1 D1 This l ss cc.$s in t# #a+s1 The s .l l ses itsel%' ma(in/ n acc .nt #hate!e$ % itsel%' ".t % the Bel !e&' $esi/nin/ itsel% %$eel+ int His han&s #ith .t an+ sel%ish !ie#s' l sin/ itsel% &eli"e$atel+' an& see(in/ n thin/ % $ itsel%1 Sec n&l+' it l ses itsel% in all thin/s' ma(in/ n acc .nt % an+thin/ sa!e that #hich c nce$ns the Bel !e&1 This is t l se nesel%3that is' t "e #illin/ that the$s sh .l& ha!e all thin/s1 S.ch is he that l !es G &9 he see(s neithe$ /ain n $ $e#a$&' ".t nl+ t l se all' e!en himsel%' acc $&in/ t G &Ls #ill9 this is #hat s.ch a ne c .nts /ain1 This is $eal /ain' % $ the A0 stle sa+s' ,t &ie is /ain-*613that is' t &ie % $ Ch$ist is m+ /ain an& 0$ %it s0i$it.all+1 This is #h+ the s .l sa+s that it ,#as % .n&-9 % $ he #h & es n t (n # h # t l se' & es n t %in&' ".t $athe$ l ses himsel%' as .$ Sa!i $ teaches .s in the G s0el' sa+in/' ,He that #ill sa!e his li%e shall l se it9 an& he that shall l se his li%e % $ M+ sa(e shall %in& it1-*6* >1 B.t i% #e #ish t (n # the &ee0e$ s0i$it.al meanin/ % this line' an& its 0ec.lia$ %itness he$e' it is as % ll #s? )hen a s .l has a&!ance& s %a$ n the s0i$it.al $ a& as t "e l st t all the nat.$al meth &s % c mm.nin/ #ith G &9 #hen it see(s Him n l n/e$ "+ me&itati n' ima/es' im0$essi ns' n $ "+ an+ the$ c$eate& #a+s' $ $e0$esentati ns % sense' ".t nl+ "+ $isin/ a" !e them all' in the C +%.l c mm.ni n #ith Him "+ %aith an& l !e' then it ma+ "e sai& t ha!e % .n& G & % a t$.th' "eca.se it has t$.l+ l st itsel% as t all that is n t G &' an& als as t its #n sel%1 NOTE THE s .l "ein/ th.s /aine&' all its # $(s a$e /ain' % $ all its 0 #e$s a$e e5e$te& in the s0i$it.al inte$c .$se % m st s#eet inte$i $ l !e #ith the Bel !e&1 The inte$i $ c mm.nicati ns "et#een G & an& the s .l a$e n # s &elici .s' s %.ll % s#eetness' that n m $tal t n/.e can &esc$i"e them' n $ h.man .n&e$stan&in/ c m0$ehen& them1 As a "$i&e n the &a+ % he$ "et$ thal atten&s t n thin/ ".t t the C + .s %esti!al % he$ l !e' an& "$in/s % $th all he$ Ce#els an& $naments % $ the 0leas.$e % the "$i&e/$ m'
*6B Matt1 @?*: *61 Phil1 1?*1 *6* Matt1 1@?*A
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
an& as he t in the same #a+ e5hi"its his #n ma/ni%icence an& $iches % $ the 0leas.$e % his "$i&e' s is it in the s0i$it.al "et$ thal #he$e the s .l %eels that #hich the "$i&e sa+s in the Canticle' ,I t m+ Bel !e& an& m+ Bel !e& t me1- *66 The !i$t.es an& /$aces % the "$i&eJs .l' the /$an&e.$ an& ma/ni%icence % the B$i&e/$ m' the S n % G &' c me % $th int the li/ht' % $ the cele"$ati n % the "$i&al %east' c mm.nicatin/ each t the the$ the / &s an& C +s #ith the #ine % s#eet l !e in the H l+ S0i$it1 The 0$esent stan4a' a&&$esse& t the B$i&e/$ m "+ the s .l' has this % $ its s."Cect1
*66 Cant1 @?*
STANZA XXX
A Of emeralds, and of flowers In the early morning gathered, We will make the garlands, ,lowering in Your love, And bound together with one hair of my head. THE "$i&e n # t.$ns t the B$i&e/$ m an& a&&$esses Him in the inte$c .$se an& c m% $t % l !e9 the s."Cect % the stan4a "ein/ the s lace an& &eli/ht #hich the "$i&eJ s .l an& the S n % G & %in& in the 0 ssessi n % the !i$t.es an& /i%ts % each the$' an& in the e5e$cise the$e %' " th $eC icin/ in thei$ m.t.al l !e1 Th.s the s .l' a&&$essin/ the Bel !e&' sa+s that the+ #ill ma(e /a$lan&s $ich in /$aces an& ac7.i$e& !i$t.es' "taine& at the %ittin/ an& c n!enient seas n' "ea.ti%.l an& l !el+ in the l !e He "ea$s the s .l' an& (e0t t /ethe$ "+ the l !e #hich it itsel% has % $ Him1 This $eC icin/ in !i$t.e is #hat is meant "+ ma(in/ /a$lan&s' % $ the s .l an& G & $eC ice t /ethe$ in these !i$t.es " .n& .0 as %l #e$s in a /a$lan&' in the c mm n l !e #hich each "ea$s the the$1 8Of emeralds, and of flowers.9 *1 The %l #e$s a$e the !i$t.es % the s .l9 the eme$al&s a$e the /i%ts it has $ecei!e& %$ m G &1 Then % these %l #e$s an& eme$al&s *A 8In the early morning gathered.9 61 That is' ac7.i$e& in + .th' #hich is the ea$l+ m $nin/ % li%e1 The+ a$e sai& t "e /athe$e& "eca.se the !i$t.es #hich #e ac7.i$e in + .th a$e m st 0leasin/ t G &9 "eca.se + .th is the seas n #hen .$ !ices m st $esist the ac7.isiti n % them' an& #hen .$ nat.$al inclinati ns a$e m st 0$ ne t l se them1 Th se !i$t.es als a$e m $e 0e$%ect #hich #e ac7.i$e in ea$l+ + .th1 This time % .$ li%e is the ea$l+ m $nin/9 % $ as the %$eshness % the s0$in/ m $nin/ is m $e a/$eea"le than an+ the$ 0a$t % the &a+' s als a$e the !i$t.es ac7.i$e& in .$ + .th m $e 0leasin/ in the si/ht % G &1 :1 B+ the %$esh m $nin/ #e ma+ .n&e$stan& th se acts % l !e "+ #hich #e ac7.i$e !i$t.e' an& #hich a$e m $e 0leasin/ t G & than the %$esh m $nin/ is t the s ns % men9 / & # $(s als ' #$ ./ht in the seas n % s0i$it.al &$+ness an& ha$&ness9 this is the %$eshness % the #inte$ m $nin/' an& #hat #e then & % $ G & in &$+ness % s0i$it is m st 0$eci .s in His e+es1 Then it is that #e ac7.i$e !i$t.es an& /$aces a".n&antl+9 an& #hat #e then ac7.i$e #ith t il an& la" $ is % $ the m st 0a$t "ette$' m $e 0e$%ect an& lastin/ than #hat #e ac7.i$e in c m% $t an& s0i$it.al s#eetness9 % $ !i$t.e sen&s % $th its $ ts in the seas n % &$+ness' t il' an& t$ial? as it is #$itten' ,<i$t.e is ma&e 0e$%ect in in%i$mit+1-*6: It is #ith a !ie# t sh # % $th the e5cellence % these !i$t.es' % #hich the /a$lan& is #$ ./ht % $ the Bel !e&' that the s .l sa+s % them that the+ ha!e "een /athe$e& in the ea$l+ m $nin/9 "eca.se it is these %l #e$s al ne' #ith the eme$al&s % !i$t.e' the ch ice an& 0e$%ect /$aces' an& n t the im0e$%ect' #hich a$e 0leasin/ t the Bel !e&' an& s the "$i&e sa+s?
*6: * C $ 1*?G
1B
1A
*B
6B
6A
:B
:A
8We will make the garlands.9 A1 All the !i$t.es an& /$aces #hich the s .l' an& G & in it' ac7.i$e a$e as a /a$lan& % &i!e$se %l #e$s #ith #hich the s .l is ma$!el .sl+ a& $ne& as #ith a !est.$e % $ich em"$ i&e$+1 As mate$ial %l #e$s a$e /athe$e&' an& then % $me& int a /a$lan&' s the s0i$it.al %l #e$s % !i$t.es an& /$aces a$e ac7.i$e& an& set in $&e$ in the s .l? an& #hen the ac7.isiti n is c m0lete' the /a$lan& % 0e$%ecti n is c m0lete als 1 The s .l an& the B$i&e/$ m $eC ice in it' " th "ea.ti%.l' a& $ne& #ith the /a$lan&' as in the state % 0e$%ecti n1 @1 These a$e the /a$lan&s #hich the s .l sa+s the+ #ill ma(e1 That is' it #ill #$eathe itsel% #ith this !a$iet+ % %l #e$s' #ith the eme$al&s % !i$t.es an& 0e$%ect /i%ts' that it ma+ 0$esent itsel% # $thil+ "e% $e the %ace % the Iin/' an& "e n an e7.alit+ #ith Him' sittin/ as a 7.een n His $i/ht han&9 % $ it has me$ite& this "+ its "ea.t+1 Th.s Da!i& sa+s' a&&$essin/ himsel% t Ch$ist? ,The 7.een st & n 2 .$ $i/ht han& in !estments % / l&' /i$t #ith !a$iet+1-*6A That is' at His $i/ht han&' cla& in 0e$%ect l !e' /i$t #ith the !a$iet+ % /$aces an& 0e$%ect !i$t.es1 D1 The s .l & es n t sa+' ,I #ill ma(e /a$lan&s'- n $ ,2 . #ill ma(e them'- ".t' ,)e #ill ma(e them'- n t se0a$atel+' ".t " th t /ethe$9 "eca.se the s .l cann t 0$actice !i$t.es al ne' n $ ac7.i$e them al ne' #ith .t the hel0 % G &9 neithe$ & es G & al ne c$eate !i$t.e in the s .l #ith .t the s .lLs c nc.$$ence1 Th ./h it is t$.e' as the A0 stle sa+s' that ,e!e$+ "est /i%t' an& e!e$+ 0e$%ect /i%t' is %$ m a" !e' &escen&in/ %$ m the Fathe$ % li/hts'-*6@ still the+ ente$ int n s .l #ith .t that s .lLs c nc.$$ence an& c nsent1 Th.s the "$i&e in the Canticle sa+s t the B$i&e/$ m9 ,D$a# me9 #e #ill $.n a%te$ + .1-*6D E!e$+ inclinati n t / & c mes %$ m G & al ne' as #e lea$n he$e9 ".t as t $.nnin/' that is' / & # $(s' the+ 0$ cee& %$ m G & an& the s .l t /ethe$' an& it is the$e% $e #$itten' ,)e #ill $.n-3that is' " th t /ethe$' ".t n t G & n $ the s .l al ne1 >1 These # $&s ma+ als "e %ittin/l+ a00lie& t Ch$ist an& His Ch.$ch' #hich' as His "$i&e' sa+s t Him' ,)e #ill ma(e the /a$lan&s1- In this a00licati n % the # $&s the /a$lan&s a$e the h l+ s .ls " $n t Ch$ist in the Ch.$ch1 E!e$+ s.ch s .l is "+ itsel% a /a$lan& a& $ne& #ith the %l #e$s % !i$t.es an& /$aces' an& all % them t /ethe$ a /a$lan& % $ the hea& % Ch$ist the B$i&e/$ m1 G1 )e ma+ als .n&e$stan& "+ these "ea.ti%.l /a$lan&s the c$ #ns % $me& "+ Ch$ist an& the Ch.$ch' % #hich the$e a$e th$ee (in&s1 The %i$st is % $me& % the "ea.t+ an& #hite %l #e$s % the !i$/ins' each ne #ith he$ !i$/inal c$ #n' an& % $min/ alt /ethe$ ne c$ #n % $ the hea& % the B$i&e/$ m Ch$ist1 The sec n&' % the "$illiant %l #e$s % the h l+ & ct $s' each #ith his c$ #n % & ct $' an& all t /ethe$ % $min/ ne c$ #n a" !e that % the !i$/ins n the hea& % Ch$ist1 The thi$& is c m0 se& % the 0.$0le %l #e$s % the ma$t+$s' each #ith his #n c$ #n % ma$t+$& m' an& all .nite& int ne' 0e$%ectin/ that n the hea& % Ch$ist1 A& $ne& #ith these /a$lan&s He #ill "e s "ea.ti%.l' an& s l !el+ t "eh l&' that hea!en itsel% #ill $e0eat the # $&s % the "$i&e in the Canticle' sa+in/? ,G % $th' + . &a./hte$s % Fi n' an& see (in/ S l m n in the &ia&em #ith #hich his m the$ c$ #ne& him in the &a+ % his "et$ thal' an& in the &a+ % the C + %
*6A Ps1 ::?1B *6@ James 1?1D *6D Cant1 1?6
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
his hea$t1-*6> The s .l then sa+s #e #ill ma(e /a$lan&s1 8,lowering in Your love.9 A 1B1 The %l #e$in/ % / & # $(s an& !i$t.es is the /$ace an& 0 #e$ #hich the+ &e$i!e %$ m the l !e % G &' #ith .t #hich the+ n t nl+ %l #e$ n t' ".t e!en "ec me &$+' an& # $thless in the e+es % G &' th ./h the+ ma+ "e h.manl+ 0e$%ect1 B.t i% He /i!es His /$ace an& l !e the+ %l .$ish in His l !e1 8And bound together with one hair of my head.9 111 The hai$ is the #ill % the s .l' an& the l !e it "ea$s the Bel !e&1 This l !e 0e$% $ms the %.ncti n % the th$ea& that (ee0s the /a$lan& t /ethe$1 F $ as a th$ea& "in&s the %l #e$s % a /a$lan&' s l !es (nits t /ethe$ an& s.stains !i$t.es in the s .l1 ,Cha$it+-3 that is' l !e3sa+s the A0 stle' ,is the " n& % 0e$%ecti n1- *6G L !e' in the same #a+' "in&s the !i$t.es an& s.0e$nat.$al /i%ts t /ethe$' s that #hen l !e %ails "+ .$ &e0a$t.$e %$ m G &' all .$ !i$t.e 0e$ishes als ' C.st as the %l #e$s &$ 0 %$ m the /a$lan& #hen the th$ea& that " .n& them t /ethe$ is "$ (en1 It is n t en ./h % $ G &Ls /i%t % !i$t.es that He sh .l& l !e .s' ".t #e t m.st l !e Him in $&e$ t $ecei!e them' an& 0$ese$!e them1 1*1 The s .l s0ea(s % ne hai$' n t % man+' t sh # that the #ill "+ itsel% is %i5e& n G &' &etache& %$ m all the$ hai$s9 that is' %$ m st$an/e l !e1 This 0 ints .t the /$eat 0$ice an& # $th % these /a$lan&s % !i$t.es9 % $ #hen l !e is sin/le' %i$ml+ %i5e& n G &' as he$e &esc$i"e&' the !i$t.es als a$e enti$e' 0e$%ect' an& %l #e$in/ in the l !e % G &9 % $ the l !e He "ea$s the s .l is "e+ n& all 0$ice' an& the s .l als (n #s it #ell1 161 )e$e I t attem0t a &esc$i0ti n % the "ea.t+ % that "in&in/ % the %l #e$s an& eme$al&s t /ethe$' $ % the st$en/th an& maCest+ #hich thei$ ha$m ni .s a$$an/ement %.$nishes t the s .l' $ the "ea.t+ an& /$ace % its em"$ i&e$e& !est.$e' e50$essi ns an& # $&s # .l& %ail me9 % $ i% G & sa+s % the e!il s0i$it' ,His " &+ is li(e m lten shiel&s' sh.t cl se .0 #ith scales 0$essin/ .0 n ne an the$' ne is C ine& t an the$' an& n t s m.ch as an+ ai$ can c me "et#een them-9 *:B i% the e!il s0i$it is s st$ n/' cla& in malice th.s c m0acte& t /ethe$3% $ the scales that c !e$ his " &+ li(e m lten shiel&s a$e malice' an& malice is in itsel% ".t #ea(ness3#hat m.st "e the st$en/th % the s .l that is cl the& in !i$t.es s c m0acte& an& .nite& t /ethe$ that n im0.$it+ $ im0e$%ecti n can 0enet$ate "et#een them9 each !i$t.e se!e$all+ a&&in/ st$en/th t st$en/th' "ea.t+ t "ea.t+' #ealth t #ealth' an& t maCest+' & mini n an& /$an&e.$8 1:1 )hat a ma$!el .s !isi n #ill "e that % the "$i&eJs .l' #hen it shall sit n the $i/ht han& % the B$i&e/$ mJIin/' c$ #ne& #ith /$acesM ,H # "ea.ti%.l a$e + .$ ste0s in sh es' O 0$inceLs &a./hte$M-*:1 The s .l is calle& a 0$inceLs &a./hte$ "eca.se % the 0 #e$ it has9 an& i% the "ea.t+ % the ste0s in sh es is /$eat' #hat m.st "e that % the #h le !est.$e8 N t nl+ is the "ea.t+ % the s .l c$ #ne& #ith a&mi$a"le %l #e$s' ".t its st$en/th als ' %l #in/ %$ m the ha$m ni .s $&e$ % the %l #e$s' inte$t#ine& #ith the eme$al&s % its inn.me$a"le /$aces' is te$$i"le? ,Te$$i"le as the a$m+ % a cam0 set in
*6> Cant1 6?11 *6G C l1 6?1: *:B J " :1?@'D *:1 Cant1 D?1
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
a$$a+1-*:* F $' as these !i$t.es an& /i%ts % G & $e%$esh the s .l #ith thei$ s0i$it.al 0e$%.me' s als ' #hen .nite& in it' & the+' .t % thei$ s."stance' ministe$ st$en/th1 Th.s' in the Canticle' #hen the "$i&e #as #ea(' lan/.ishin/ #ith l !e3"eca.se she ha& n t "een a"le t "in& t /ethe$ the %l #e$s an& the eme$al&s #ith the hai$ % he$ l !e 3an& an5i .s t st$en/then he$sel% "+ that .ni n % them' c$ies .t? ,Sta+ me #ith %l #e$s' c m0ass me a" .t #ith a00les9 "eca.se I lan/.ish #ith l !e1- *:6 The %l #e$s a$e the !i$t.es' an& the a00les a$e the the$ /$aces1 NOTE
1B I BELIE<E I ha!e n # sh #n h # the inte$t#inin/ % the /a$lan&s an& thei$ lastin/ 0$esence in the s .l e50lain the &i!ine .ni n % l !e #hich n # e5ists "et#een the s .l an& G &1 The B$i&e/$ m' as He sa+s Himsel%' is the ,%l #e$ % the %iel& an& the lil+ % the !alle+s'-*:: an& the s .lLs l !e is the hai$ that .nites t itsel% this %l #e$ % %l #e$s1 L !e is the m st 0$eci .s % all thin/s' "eca.se it is the ," n& % 0e$%ecti n'- as the A0 stle sa+s'*:A an& 0e$%ecti n is .ni n #ith G &1 The s .l is' as it #e$e' a shea% % /a$lan&s' % $ it is the s."Cect % this /l $+' n l n/e$ #hat it #as "e% $e' ".t the !e$+ 0e$%ect %l #e$ % %l #e$s in the 0e$%ecti n an& "ea.t+ % all9 % $ the th$ea& % l !e "in&s s cl sel+ G & an& the s .l' an& s .nites them' that it t$ans% $ms them an& ma(es them ne "+ l !e9 s that' th ./h in essence &i%%e$ent' +et in /l $+ an& a00ea$ance the s .l seems G & an& G & the s .l1 S.ch is this ma$!el .s .ni n' "a%%lin/ all &esc$i0ti n1 *1 )e ma+ % $m s me c nce0ti n % it %$ m the l !e % Da!i& an& J nathan' #h se ,s .l #as (nit #ith the s .l % Da!i&1- *:@ I% the l !e % ne man % $ an the$ can "e th.s st$ n/' s as t (nit t# s .ls t /ethe$' #hat m.st that l !e % G & "e #hich can (nit the s .l % man t G & the B$i&e/$ m8 G & Himsel% is he$e the s.it $ )h in the mni0 tence % His .n%ath ma"le l !e a"s $"s the s .l #ith /$eate$ !i lence an& e%%icac+ than a t $$ent % %i$e a sin/le &$ 0 % the m $nin/ &e# #hich $es l!es itsel% int ai$1 The hai$' the$e% $e' #hich acc m0lishes s.ch a .ni n m.st' % necessit+' "e m st st$ n/ an& s."tle' seein/ that it 0enet$ates an& "in&s t /ethe$ s e%%ect.all+ the s .l an& G &1 In the 0$esent stan4a the s .l &ecla$es the 7.alities % this hai$1
1A
*B
*A
6B
*:* Cant1 @?6 *:6 Cant1 *?A *:: Cant1 *?1 *:A C l1 6?1: *:@ 1 Iin/s 1>?1
STANZA XXXI
A By that one hair You have observed fluttering on my ne k, And on my ne k regarded, You were a"tivated! And wounded by one of my eyes. THERE a$e th$ee thin/s menti ne& he$e1 The %i$st is' that the l !e "+ #hich the !i$t.es a$e " .n& t /ethe$ is n thin/ less than a st$ n/ l !e9 % $ in t$.th it nee& "e s in $&e$ t 0$ese$!e them1 The sec n& is' that G & is /$eatl+ ta(en "+ this hai$ % l !e' seein/ it t "e al ne an& st$ n/1 The thi$& is' that G & is &ee0l+ enam $e& % the s .l' "eh l&in/ the 0.$it+ an& inte/$it+ % its %aith1 8By that one hair You have observed fluttering on my ne k.9 *B *1 The nec( si/ni%ies that st$en/th in #hich' it is sai&' %l.tte$e& the hai$ % l !e' st$ n/ l !e' #hich " .n& the !i$t.es t /ethe$1 It is n t s.%%icient % $ the 0$ese$!ati n % !i$t.es that l !e "e al ne' it m.st "e als st$ n/ s that n c nt$a$+ !ice ma+ an+#he$e &est$ + the 0e$%ecti n % the /a$lan&9 % $ the !i$t.es s a$e " .n& .0 t /ethe$ in the s .l "+ the hai$' that i% the th$ea& is nce "$ (en' all the !i$t.es a$e l st9 % $ #he$e ne !i$t.e is' all a$e' an& #he$e ne %ails' all %ail als 1 The hai$ is sai& t %l.tte$ n the nec(' "eca.se its l !e % G &' #ith .t an+ hin&$ance #hate!e$' %l.tte$s st$ n/l+ an& li/htl+ in the st$en/th % the s .l1 61 As the ai$ ca.ses hai$ t #a!e an& %l.tte$ n the nec(' s the "$eath % the H l+ S0i$it sti$s the st$ n/ l !e that it ma+ %l+ .0#a$&s t G &9 % $ #ith .t this &i!ine #in&' #hich e5cites the 0 #e$s % the s .l t the 0$actice % &i!ine l !e' all the !i$t.es the s .l ma+ 0 ssess "ec me ine%%ect.al an& %$.itless1 The Bel !e& "se$!e& the hai$ %l.tte$in/ n the nec(3that is' He c nsi&e$e& it #ith 0a$tic.la$ attenti n an& $e/a$&9 "eca.se st$ n/ l !e is a /$eat att$acti n % $ the e+es % G &1 8And on my ne k regarded.9 :1 This sh #s .s that G & n t nl+ esteems this l !e' seein/ it al ne' ".t als l !es it' seein/ it st$ n/9 % $ t sa+ that G & $e/a$&s is t sa+ that He l !es' an& t sa+ that He "se$!es is t sa+ that He esteems #hat He "se$!es1 The # $& ,nec(- is $e0eate& in this line' "eca.se it' "ein/ st$ n/' is the ca.se #h+ G & l !es it s m.ch1 It is as i% the s .l sai&' ,2 . ha!e l !e& it' seein/ it st$ n/ #ith .t #ea(ness $ %ea$' an& #ith .t an+ the$ l !e' an& %l+in/ .0#a$&s s#i%tl+ an& %e$!entl+1A1 Until n # G & ha& n t l (e& .0 n this hai$ s as t "e ca0ti!ate& "+ it' "eca.se He ha& n t seen it al ne' se0a$ate %$ m the the$s' #ith&$a#n %$ m the$ l !es' %eelin/s' an& a%%ecti ns' #hich hin&e$e& it %$ m %l.tte$in/ al ne n the nec( % st$en/th1 A%te$#a$&s' h #e!e$' #hen m $ti%icati ns an& t$ials' tem0tati ns an& 0enance ha& &etache& it' an& ma&e it st$ n/' s that n thin/ #hate!e$ c .l& "$ea( it' then G & "eh l&s it' an& is ta(en "+ it' an& "in&s the %l #e$s % the /a$lan&s #ith it9 % $ it is n #
1B
1A
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
s st$ n/ that it can (ee0 the !i$t.es .nite& t /ethe$ in the s .l1 @1 B.t #hat these tem0tati ns an& t$ials a$e' h # the+ c me' an& h # %a$ the+ $each' that the s .l ma+ attain t that st$en/th % l !e in #hich G & .nites it t Himsel%' I ha!e &esc$i"e& in the ,Da$( Ni/ht'-*:D an& in the e50lanati n % the % .$ stan4as *:> #hich "e/in #ith the # $&s' ,O li!in/ %lame % l !eM- The s .l ha!in/ 0asse& th$ ./h these t$ials has $eache& a &e/$ee % l !e s hi/h that it has me$ite& the &i!ine .ni n1 8You were a"tivated.9 1B D1 O C +%.l # n&e$M G & ca0ti!e t a hai$1 The $eas n % this ca0t.$e s 0$eci .s is that G & #as 0lease& t "se$!e the %l.tte$in/ % the hai$ n the s .lLs nec(9 % $ #he$e G & $e/a$&s He l !es1 I% He in His /$ace an& me$c+ ha& n t %i$st l (e& .0 n .s an& l !e& .s'*:G as St1 J hn sa+s' an& h.m"le& Himsel%' He ne!e$ c .l& ha!e "een ta(en "+ the %l.tte$in/ % the hai$ % .$ mise$a"le l !e1 His %li/ht is n t s l # as that .$ l !e c .l& la+ h l& % the &i!ine "i$&' att$act His attenti n' an& %l+ s hi/h #ith a st$en/th # $th+ % His $e/a$&' i% He ha& n t %i$st l (e& .0 n .s1 He' h #e!e$' is ta(en "+ the %l.tte$in/ % the hai$9 He ma(es it # $th+ an& 0leasin/ t Himsel%' an& then is ca0ti!ate& "+ it1 ,2 . ha!e seen it n m+ nec(' 2 . #e$e ca0ti!ate& "+ it1- This $en&e$s it c$e&i"le that a "i$& #hich %lies l # ma+ ca0t.$e the $ +al ea/le in its %li/ht' i% the ea/le sh .l& %l+ s l # an& "e ta(en "+ it #illin/l+1 8And wounded by one of my eyes.9 *A >1 The e+e is %aith1 The s .l s0ea(s % ".t ne' an& that this has # .n&e& the Bel !e&1 I% the %aith an& t$.st % the s .l in G & #e$e n t ne' #ith .t a&mi5t.$e % the$ c nsi&e$ati ns' G & ne!e$ c .l& ha!e "een ) .n&e& "+ l !e1 Th.s the e+e that # .n&s' an& the hai$ that "in&s' m.st "e ne1 S st$ n/ is the l !e % the B$i&e/$ m % $ the "$i&e' "eca.se % he$ sim0le %aith' that' i% the hai$ % he$ l !e "in&s Him' the e+e % he$ %aith im0$is ns Him s cl sel+ as t # .n& Him th$ ./h that m st ten&e$ a%%ecti n He "ea$s he$' #hich is t the "$i&e a %.$the$ 0$ /$ess in His l !e1 G1 The B$i&e/$ m Himsel% s0ea(s in the Canticle % the hai$ an& the e+es' sa+in/ t the "$i&e' ,2 . ha!e # .n&e& M+ hea$t' M+ siste$' M+ "$i&e9 + . ha!e # .n&e& M+ hea$t #ith ne % + .$ e+es' an& #ith ne hai$ % + .$ nec(1-*AB He sa+s t#ice that His hea$t is # .n&e&' that is' #ith the e+e an& the hai$' an& the$e% $e the s .l in this stan4a s0ea(s % them " th' "eca.se the+ si/ni%+ its .ni n #ith G & in the .n&e$stan&in/ an& the #ill9 % $ the .n&e$stan&in/ is s."&.e& "+ %aith' si/ni%ie& "+ the e+e' an& the #ill "+ l !e1 He$e the s .l e5.lts in this .ni n' an& /i!es than(s t the B$i&e/$ m % $ it' it "ein/ His /i%t9 acc .ntin/ it a /$eat matte$ that He has "een 0lease& t $e7.ite its l !e' an& t "ec me ca0ti!e t it1 )e ma+ als "se$!e he$e the C +' ha00iness' an& &eli/ht % the s .l #ith its 0$is ne$' ha!in/ "een % $ a l n/ time His 0$is ne$' enam $e& % Him1 NOTE :A GREAT is the 0 #e$ an& c .$a/e % l !e' % $ G & is its 0$is ne$1 Blesse& is the s .l that
*:D KDa$( Ni/ht'L B(1 1' ch1 1:1 *:> Stan4a ii1 sect1 *@ %%1 *:G 1 J hn :?1B *AB Cant1 :?G
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l !es' % $ it has ma&e a ca0ti!e % G & )h "e+s its / & 0leas.$e1 S.ch is the nat.$e % l !e that it ma(es th se #h l !e & #hat is as(e& % them' an&' n the the$ han&' #ith .t l !e the .tm st e%% $ts #ill "e %$.itless' ".t ne hai$ #ill "in& th se that l !e1 The s .l' (n #in/ this' an& c nsci .s % "lessin/s "e+ n& its me$its' in "ein/ $aise& .0 t s hi/h a &e/$ee % l !e' th$ ./h the $ich en& #ments % /$aces an& !i$t.es' att$i".tes all t the Bel !e&' sa+in/?
STANZA XXXII
A When You regarded me, Yours eyes im"rinted in me Your gra e0 ,or this You loved me again, And thereby my eyes merited #o adore what in You they saw. IT is the nat.$e % 0e$%ect l !e t see( $ acce0t n thin/ % $ itsel%' t att$i".te n thin/ t itsel%' ".t t $e%e$ all t the Bel !e&1 I% this is t$.e % ea$thl+ l !e' h # m.ch m $e s % the l !e % G &' the $eas n % #hich is s c nst$ainin/1 In the t# % $e/ in/ stan4as the "$i&e seeme& t att$i".te s methin/ t he$sel%9 % $ she sai& that she # .l& ma(e /a$lan&s #ith he$ Bel !e&' an& "in& them #ith a hai$ % he$ hea&9 that is a /$eat # $(' an& % n sli/ht im0 $tance an& # $th? a%te$#a$&s she sai& that she e5.lte& in ha!in/ ca0ti!ate& Him "+ a hai$' an& # .n&e& Him #ith ne % he$ e+es1 All this seems as i% she att$i".te& /$eat me$its t he$sel%1 N #' h #e!e$' she e50lains he$ meanin/' an& $em !es the #$ n/ im0$essi n #ith /$eat ca$e an& %ea$' lest an+ me$it sh .l& "e att$i".te& t he$sel%' an& the$e% $e less t G & than His &.e' an& less als than she &esi$e&1 She n # $e%e$s all t Him' an& at the same time /i!es Him than(s' sa+in/ that the ca.se % His "ein/ the ca0ti!e % the hai$ % he$ l !e' an& % His "ein/ # .n&e& "+ the e+e % he$ %aith' #as His me$c+ in l (in/ l !in/l+ .0 n he$' the$e"+ $en&e$in/ he$ l !el+ an& 0leasin/ in His si/ht9 an& that the l !eliness an& # $th she $ecei!e& %$ m Him me$ite& His l !e' an& ma&e he$ # $th+ t a& $e he$ Bel !e&' an& t "$in/ % $th / & # $(s # $th+ % His l !e an& %a! $1 8When You regarded me.9 6B *1 That is' #ith l !in/ a%%ecti n' % $ I ha!e al$ea&+ sai&' that #he$e G & $e/a$&s the$e He l !es1 8Yours eyes im"rinted in me Your gra e.9 6A 61 The e+es % the B$i&e/$ m si/ni%+ he$e His me$ci%.l &i!init+' #hich' me$ci%.ll+ incline& t the s .l' im0$ints $ in%.ses in it the l !e an& /$ace "+ #hich He ma(es it "ea.ti%.l' an& s ele!ates it that He ma(es it the 0a$ta(e$ % His &i!init+1 )hen the s .l sees t #hat hei/ht % &i/nit+ G & has $aise& it' it sa+s? 8,or this You loved me again.9 :B :1 T l !e a/ain is t l !e m.ch9 it is m $e than sim0le l !e' it is a t# % l& l !e' an& % $ t# $eas ns1 He$e the s .l e50lains the t# m ti!es % the B$i&e/$ mLs l !e9 He n t nl+ l !e& it "eca.se ca0ti!ate& "+ the hai$' ".t He l !e& it a/ain' "eca.se He #as # .n&e& #ith ne % its e+es1 The $eas n #h+ He l !e& it s &ee0l+ is that He # .l&' #hen He l (e& .0 n it' /i!e it the /$ace t 0lease Him' en& #in/ it #ith the hai$ % l !e' an& animatin/ #ith His cha$it+ the %aith % the e+e1 An& the$e% $e the s .l sa+s? 8,or this You loved me again.9
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A1 T sa+ that G & sh #s %a! $ t the s .l is t sa+ that He $en&e$s it # $th+ an& ca0a"le % His l !e1 It is the$e% $e as i% the s .l sai&' ,Ha!in/ sh #n 2 .$ %a! $ t me' # $th+ 0le&/es % 2 .$ l !e' 2 . ha!e the$e% $e l !e& me a/ain-9 that is' ,2 . ha!e /i!en me /$ace .0 n /$ace-9 $' in the # $&s % St1 J hn' ,/$ace % $ /$ace-9 *A1 /$ace % $ the /$ace He has /i!en' that is m $e /$ace' % $ #ith .t /$ace #e cann t me$it His /$ace1 @1 I% #e c .l& clea$l+ .n&e$stan& this t$.th' #e m.st (ee0 in min& that' as G & l !es n thin/ "esi&e Himsel%' s l !es He n thin/ m $e than Himsel%' "eca.se He l !es all thin/s #ith $e%e$ence t Himsel%1 Th.s l !e is the %inal ca.se' an& G & l !es n thin/ % $ #hat it is in itsel%1 C nse7.entl+' #hen #e sa+ that G & l !es s.ch a s .l' #e sa+' in e%%ect' that He "$in/s it in a manne$ t Himsel%' ma(in/ it His e7.al' an& th.s it is He l !es that s .l in Himsel% #ith that !e$+ l !e #ith #hich He l !es Himsel%1 E!e$+ / & # $(' the$e% $e' % the s .l in G & is me$it $i .s % G &Ls l !e' "eca.se the s .l in His %a! $' th.s e5alte&' me$its G & Himsel% in e!e$+ act1 8And thereby my eyes merited.9 D1 That is' ,B+ the /$ace an& %a! $ #hich the e+es % 2 .$ c m0assi n ha!e #$ ./ht' #hen 2 . l (e& .0 n me' $en&e$in/ me 0leasin/ in 2 .$ si/ht an& # $th+ % 2 .$ $e/a$&18#o adore what in You they saw.9
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>1 That is? ,The 0 #e$s % m+ s .l' O m+ B$i&e/$ m' the e+es "+ #hich I can see 2 .' alth ./h nce %allen an& mise$a"le in the !ileness % thei$ mean cc.0ati ns' ha!e me$ite& t l ( .0 n 2 .1- T l ( .0 n G & is t & / & # $(s in His /$ace1 Th.s the 0 #e$s % the s .l me$it in a& $in/ "eca.se the+ a& $e in the /$ace % G &' in #hich e!e$+ act is me$it $i .s1 Enli/htene& an& e5alte& "+ /$ace' the+ a& $e& #hat in Him the+ sa#' an& #hat the+ sa# n t "e% $e' "eca.se % thei$ "lin&ness an& meanness1 )hat' then' ha!e the+ n # seen8 The /$eatness % His 0 #e$' His !e$%l #in/ s#eetness' in%inite / &ness' l !e' an& c m0assi n' inn.me$a"le "ene%its $ecei!e& at His han&s' as #ell n # #hen s nea$ Him as "e% $e #hen %a$ a#a+1 The e+es % the s .l n # me$it t a& $e' an& "+ a& $in/ me$it' % $ the+ a$e "ea.ti%.l an& 0leasin/ t the B$i&e/$ m1 Be% $e the+ #e$e .n# $th+' n t nl+ t a& $e $ "eh l& Him' ".t e!en t l ( .0 n Him at all? /$eat in&ee& is the st.0i&it+ an& "lin&ness % a s .l #ith .t the /$ace % G &1 G1 It is a melanch l+ thin/ t see h # %a$ a s .l &e0a$ts %$ m its &.t+ #hen it is n t enli/htene& "+ the l !e % G &1 F $ "ein/ " .n& t ac(n #le&/e these an& the$ inn.me$a"le %a! $s #hich it has e!e$+ m ment $ecei!e& at His han&s' tem0 $al as #ell as s0i$it.al' an& t # $shi0 an& se$!e Him .nceasin/l+ #ith all its %ac.lties' it n t nl+ & es n t & s ' ".t is .n# $th+ e!en t thin( % Him9 n $ & es it ma(e an+ acc .nt % Him #hate!e$1 S.ch is the mise$+ % th se #h a$e li!in/' $ $athe$ #h a$e &ea&' in sin1 NOTE FOR the "ette$ .n&e$stan&in/ % this an& % #hat % ll #s' #e m.st (ee0 in min& that the $e/a$& % G & "ene%its the s .l in % .$ #a+s? it cleanses' a& $ns' en$iches' an& enli/htens it' as the s.n' #hen it shines' &$ies' #a$ms' "ea.ti%ies' an& "$i/htens the
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ea$th1 )hen G & has !isite& the s .l in the th$ee latte$ #a+s' #he$e"+ He $en&e$s it 0leasin/ t Himsel%' He $emem"e$s its % $me$ .ncleanness an& sin n m $e? as it is #$itten' ,All the ini7.ities that he has #$ ./ht' I #ill n t $emem"e$1-*A* A G & ha!in/ nce & ne a#a+ #ith .$ sin an& .ncleanness' He #ill l ( .0 n them n m $e9 n $ #ill He #ithh l& His me$c+ "eca.se % them' % $ He ne!e$ 0.nishes t#ice % $ the same sin' acc $&in/ t the # $&s % the 0$ 0het? ,The$e shall n t $ise a & ."le a%%licti n1-*A6 Still' th ./h G & % $/ets the sin He has nce % $/i!en' #e a$e n t % $ that $eas n t % $/et it .$sel!es9 % $ the )ise Man sa+s' ,Be n t #ith .t %ea$ a" .t sin % $/i!en1- *A: The$e a$e th$ee $eas ns % $ this1 )e sh .l& al#a+s $emem"e$ .$ sin' that #e ma+ n t 0$es.me' that #e ma+ ha!e a s."Cect % 0e$0et.al than(s/i!in/' an& "eca.se it se$!es t /i!e .s m $e c n%i&ence that #e shall $ecei!e /$eate$ %a! $s9 % $ i%' #hen #e #e$e in sin' G & sh #e& Himsel% t .s s me$ci%.l an& % $/i!in/' h # m.ch /$eate$ me$cies ma+ #e n t h 0e % $ #hen #e a$e clean %$ m sin' an& in His l !e8 The s .l' the$e% $e' callin/ t min& all the me$cies it has $ecei!e&' an& seein/ itsel% .nite& t the B$i&e/$ m in s.ch &i/nit+' $eC ices /$eatl+ #ith C +' than(s/i!in/' an& l !e1 In this it is hel0e& e5cee&in/l+ "+ the $ec llecti n % its % $me$ c n&iti n' #hich #as s mean an& %ilth+ that it n t nl+ &i& n t &ese$!e that G & sh .l& l ( .0 n it' ".t #as .n# $th+ that He sh .l& e!en .tte$ its name' as He sa+s "+ the m .th % the 0$ 0het Da!i&? ,N $ #ill I "e min&%.l % thei$ names "+ M+ li0s1- *AA Th.s the s .l' seein/ that the$e #as' an& that the$e can "e' n thin/ in itsel% t att$act the e+es % G &' ".t that all c mes %$ m Him % 0.$e /$ace an& / &#ill' att$i".tes its mise$+ t itsel%' an& all the "lessin/s it enC +s t the Bel !e&9 an& seein/ %.$the$ that "eca.se % these "lessin/s it can me$it n # #hat it c .l& n t me$it "e% $e' it "ec mes " l& #ith G &' an& 0$a+s % $ the &i!ine s0i$it.al .ni n' #he$ein its me$cies a$e m.lti0lie&1 This is the s."Cect % the % ll #in/ stan4a?
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*A* E4e(1 1>?** *A6 Nah.m 1?G *A: Eccl.s1 A?A *AA Ps1 1A?:
STANZA XXXIII
A 2es"ise me not, ,or if I was swarthy on e, You an regard me now! *in e You have regarded me, )ra e and beauty have You given me. THE s .l n # is "ec min/ " l&' an& $es0ects itsel%' "eca.se % the /i%ts an& en& #ments #hich the Bel !e& has "est #e& .0 n it1 It $ec /ni4es that these thin/s' #hile itsel% is # $thless an& .n&e$se$!in/' a$e at least means % me$it' an& c nse7.entl+ it !ent.$es t sa+ t the Bel !e&' ,D n t &is$e/a$& me n #' $ &es0ise me-9 % $ i% "e% $e it &ese$!e& c ntem0t "eca.se % the %ilthiness % its sin' an& the meanness % its nat.$e' n # that He has nce l (e& .0 n it' an& the$e"+ a& $ne& it #ith /$ace an& "ea.t+' He ma+ #ell l ( .0 n it a sec n& time an& inc$ease its /$ace an& "ea.t+1 That He has nce & ne s ' #hen the s .l &i& n t &ese$!e& it' an& ha& n att$acti ns % $ Him' is $eas n en ./h #h+ He sh .l& & s a/ain an& a/ain1 82es"ise me not.9 *1 The s .l & es n t sa+ this "eca.se it &esi$es in an+ #a+ t "e esteeme&3% $ c ntem0t an& ins.lt a$e % /$eat 0$ice' an& ccasi ns % C + t the s .l that t$.l+ l !es G &3".t "eca.se it ac(n #le&/es that in itsel% it me$its n thin/ else' #e$e it n t % $ the /i%ts an& /$aces it has $ecei!e& %$ m G &' as it a00ea$s %$ m the # $&s that % ll #1 8,or if I was swarthy on e.9 6B 61 ,I%' "e% $e 2 . /$aci .sl+ l (e& .0 n me 2 . % .n& me in m+ %ilthiness' "lac( #ith im0e$%ecti ns an& sins' an& nat.$all+ mean an& !ile'8You an regard me now! sin e You have regarded me.9 6A :1 A%te$ nce l (in/ .0 n me' an& ta(in/ a#a+ m+ s#a$th+ c m0le5i n' &e%ile& "+ sin an& &isa/$eea"le t l ( .0 n' #hen 2 . $en&e$e& me l !el+ % $ the %i$st time' 2 . ma+ #ell l ( .0 n me n #3that is' n # I ma+ "e l (e& n an& &ese$!e t "e $e/a$&e&' an& the$e"+ t $ecei!e %.$the$ %a! $s at 2 .$ han&s1 F $ 2 .$ e+es' #hen the+ %i$st l (e& .0 n me' n t nl+ t ( a#a+ m+ s#a$th+ c m0le5i n' ".t $en&e$e& me als # $th+ % 2 .$ $e/a$&9 % $ in 2 .$ l ( % l !e'3 8)ra e and beauty have You given me.9 A1 The t# 0$ece&in/ lines a$e a c mmenta$+ n the # $&s % St1 J hn' ,/$ace % $ /$ace'-*A@ % $ #hen G & "eh l&s a s .l that is l !el+ in His e+es He is m !e& t "est # m $e /$ace .0 n it "eca.se He &#ells #ellJ0lease& #ithin it1 M ses (ne# this' an& 0$a+e& % $ %.$the$ /$ace? he # .l&' as it #e$e' c nst$ain G & t /$ant it "eca.se he ha& al$ea&+ $ecei!e& s m.ch ,2 . ha!e sai&? I (n # + . "+ name' an& + . ha!e % .n& %a! $ in M+ si/ht? i% the$e% $e I ha!e % .n& %a! $ in 2 .$ si/ht' sh # me 2 .$ %ace' that
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:B
:A
I ma+ (n # 2 .' an& ma+ %in& /$ace "e% $e 2 .$s e+es1-*AD @1 N # a s .l #hich in the e+es % G & is th.s e5alte& in /$ace' h n $a"le an& l !el+' is % $ that $eas n an "Cect % His .n.tte$a"le l !e1 I% He l !e& that s .l "e% $e it #as in a state % /$ace' % $ His #n sa(e' He l !es it n #' #hen in a state % /$ace' n t nl+ % $ His #n sa(e' ".t als % $ itsel%1 Th.s enam $e& % its "ea.t+' th$ ./h its a%%ecti ns an& / & # $(s' n # that it is ne!e$ #ith .t them' He "est #s .0 n it c ntin.all+ %.$the$ /$ace an& l !e' an& the m $e h n $a"le an& e5alte& He $en&e$s that s .l' the m $e is He ca0ti!ate& "+ it' an& the /$eate$ His l !e % $ it1 D1 G & Himsel% sets this t$.th "e% $e .s' sa+in/ t His 0e 0le' "+ the m .th % the 0$ 0het' ,since + . "ecame h n $a"le in M+ e+es' an& /l $i .s' I ha!e l !e& + .1- *A> That is' ,Since I ha!e cast M+ e+es .0 n + .' an& the$e"+ sh #e& + . %a! $' an& ma&e + . /l $i .s an& h n $a"le in M+ si/ht' + . ha!e me$ite& the$ an& %.$the$ %a! $s-9 % $ t sa+ that G & l !es' is t sa+ that He m.lti0lies His /$ace1 The "$i&e in the Canticle s0ea(s t the same e%%ect' sa+in/' ,I am "lac(' ".t "ea.ti%.l' O + . &a./hte$s % Je$.salem1-*AG an& the Ch.$ch a&&s'*@B sa+in/' ,The$e% $e has the Iin/ l !e& me' an& "$ ./ht me int His sec$et cham"e$1- This is as m.ch as sa+in/? ,O + . s .ls #h ha!e n (n #le&/e n $ .n&e$stan&in/ % these %a! $s' & n t ma$!el that the hea!enl+ Iin/ has sh #n s.ch me$c+ t me as t 0l.n/e me in the &e0ths % His l !e' % $' th ./h I am s#a$th+' He has s $e/a$&e& me' a%te$ nce l (in/ .0 n me' that He c .l& n t "e satis%ie& #ith .t "et$ thin/ me t Himsel%' an& callin/ me int the inne$ cham"e$ % His l !e1>1 )h can meas.$e the /$eatness % the s .lLs e5altati n #hen G & is 0lease& #ith it8 N lan/.a/e' n ima/inati n is s.%%icient % $ this9 % $ in t$.th G & & es this as G &' t sh # that it is He #h & es it1 The &ealin/s % G & #ith s.ch a s .l ma+ in s me &e/$ee "e .n&e$st &9 ".t nl+ in this #a+' namel+' that He /i!es m $e t him #h has m $e' an& that His /i%ts a$e m.lti0lie& in 0$ 0 $ti n t the 0$e!i .s en& #ments % the s .l1 This is #hat He teaches .s Himsel% in the G s0el' sa+in/9 ,He that has t him shall "e /i!en' an& he shall a" .n&? ".t he that has n t' %$ m him shall "e ta(en a#a+ e!en that #hich he has1-*@1 G1 Th.s the talent % that se$!ant' n t then in %a! $ #ith his l $&' #as ta(en %$ m him an& /i!en t an the$ #h ha& /aine& the$s' s that the latte$ mi/ht ha!e all' t /ethe$ #ith the %a! $ % his l $&1*@* G & hea0s the n "lest an& the /$eatest %a! $s % His h .se' #hich is the Ch.$ch militant as #ell as the Ch.$ch t$i.m0hant' .0 n him #h is m st His %$ien&' $&ainin/ it th.s % $ His /$eate$ h n $ an& /l $+' as a /$eat li/ht a"s $"s man+ little li/hts1 This is the s0i$it.al sense % th se # $&s' al$ea&+ cite&' *@6 the 0$ 0het Isaiah a&&$esse& t the 0e 0le % Is$ael? ,I am the L $& + .$ G &' the H l+ One % Is$ael' + .$ Sa!i $? I ha!e /i!en E/+0t % $ + .$ at nement an& Se"a % $ + .1 I #ill /i!e men % $ + .' an& 0e 0le % $ + .$ li%e1-*@:
*AD E5 &1 66?1*'16 *A> Isa1 :6?: *AG Cant1 1?: *@B Anti0h n in <es0e$ B1 M1 <1 *@1 Matt1 16?1* *@* Matt1 *A?*> *@6 Sect1 D1 *@: Isa1 :6?6
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
1B1 )ell ma+ 2 . then' O G &' /a4e .0 n an& 0$i4e that s .l #hich 2 . $e/a$&' % $ 2 . ha!e ma&e it 0$eci .s "+ l (in/ .0 n it' an& /i!en it /$aces #hich in 2 .$ si/ht a$e 0$eci .s' an& "+ #hich 2 . a$e ca0ti!ate&1 That s .l' the$e% $e' &ese$!es that 2 . sh .l& $e/a$& it n t nl+ nce' ".t %ten' seein/ that 2 . ha!e nce l (e& .0 n it9 % $ s is it #$itten in the " ( % Esthe$ "+ the H l+ S0i$it? ,This h n $ is he # $th+ %' #h m the (in/ has a min& t h n $1-*@A NOTE
1B
1A
THE /i%ts % l !e #hich the B$i&e/$ m "est #s n the s .l in this state a$e inestima"le9 the 0$aises an& en&ea$in/ e50$essi ns % &i!ine l !e #hich 0ass s %$e7.entl+ "et#een them a$e "e+ n& all .tte$ance1 The s .l is cc.0ie& in 0$aisin/ Him' an& in /i!in/ Him than(s9 an& He in e5altin/' 0$aisin/' an& than(in/ the s .l' as #e see in the Canticle' #he$e He th.s s0ea(s t the "$i&e? ,Beh l&' + . a$e %ai$' O M+ l !e' "eh l&' + . a$e %ai$9 + .$ e+es a$e as th se % & !es1- The "$i&e $e0lies? ,Beh l&' + . a$e %ai$' m+ Bel !e&' an& c mel+1-*@@ These' an& the$ li(e e50$essi ns' a$e a&&$esse& "+ them each t the the$1 *1 In the 0$e!i .s stan4a the s .l &es0ise& itsel%' an& sai& it #as s#a$th+ an& .nclean' 0$aisin/ Him % $ His "ea.t+ an& /$ace' )h ' "+ l (in/ .0 n the s .l' $en&e$e& it /$aci .s an& "ea.ti%.l1 He' )h se #a+ it is t e5alt the h.m"le' %i5in/ His e+es .0 n the s .l' as He #as ent$eate& t & ' 0$aises it in the % ll #in/ stan4a1 He & es n t call it s#a$th+' as the s .l calls itsel%' ".t He a&&$esses it as His #hite & !e' 0$aisin/ it % $ its / & &is0 siti ns' th se % a & !e an& a t.$tleJ& !e1
*B
*@A Esth1 @?11 *@@ Cant1 :?1' @?6
STANZA XXXIV
THE BRIDEGROOM A #he little white dove Has returned to the ark with the bough! And now the turtle5dove Its desired mate On the green banks has found. IT is the B$i&e/$ m Himsel% #h n # s0ea(s1 He cele"$ates the 0.$it+ % the s .l in its 0$esent state' the $ich $e#a$&s it has /aine&' in ha!in/ 0$e0a$e& itsel%' an& la" $e& t c me t Him1 He als s0ea(s % its "lesse&ness in ha!in/ % .n& the B$i&e/$ m in this .ni n' an& % the %.l%illment % all its &esi$es' the &eli/ht an& C + it has in Him n # that all the t$ials % li%e an& time a$e !e$1 8#he little white dove.9 *B *1 He calls the s .l' n acc .nt % its #hiteness an& 0.$it+3e%%ects % the /$ace it has $ecei!e& at the han&s % G &3a & !e' ,the little #hite & !e'- % $ this is the te$m He a00lies t it in the Canticle' t ma$( its sim0licit+' its nat.$al /entleness' an& its l !in/ c ntem0lati n1 The & !e is n t nl+ sim0le' an& /entle #ith .t /all' ".t its e+es a$e als clea$' %.ll % l !e1 The B$i&e/$ m' the$e% $e' t 0 int .t in it this cha$acte$ $ l !in/ c ntem0lati n' #he$ein it l (s .0 n G &' sa+s % it that its e+es a$e th se % a & !e? ,2 .$ e+es a$e & !eLs e+es1-*@D 8Has returned to the ark with the bough.9 6B 61 He$e the B$i&e/$ m c m0a$es the s .l t the & !e % N ahLs a$(' the / in/ an& $et.$nin/ % #hich is a %i/.$e % #hat "e%alls the s .l1 F $ as the & !e #ent % $th %$ m the a$(' an& $et.$ne& "eca.se it % .n& n $est % $ its %eet n acc .nt % the #ate$s % the &el./e' .ntil the time #hen it $et.$ne& #ith the li!e "$anch in its m .th3a si/n % the me$c+ % G & in &$+in/ the #ate$s #hich ha& c !e$e& the ea$th3s the s .l #ent % $th at its c$eati n .t % the a$( % G &Ls mni0 tence' an& ha!in/ t$a!e$se& the &el./e % its sins an& im0e$%ecti ns' an& %in&in/ n $est % $ its &esi$es' %le# an& $et.$ne& n the ai$ % the l n/in/s % its l !e t the a$( % its C$eat $Ls " s m9 ".t it nl+ e%%ecte& an ent$ance #hen G & ha& &$ie& the #ate$s % its im0e$%ecti ns1 Then it $et.$ne& #ith the li!e "$anch' that is' the !ict $+ !e$ all thin/s "+ His me$ci%.l c m0assi n' t this "lesse& an& 0e$%ect $ec llecti n in the " s m % the Bel !e&' n t nl+ t$i.m0hant !e$ all its enemies' ".t als $e#a$&e& % $ its me$its9 % $ " th the ne an& the the$ a$e s+m" li4e& "+ the li!e " ./h1 Th.s the & !eJs .l $et.$ns t the a$( % G & n t nl+ #hite an& 0.$e as it #ent % $th #hen He c$eate& it' ".t #ith the li!e "$anch % $e#a$& an& 0eace "taine& "+ the c n7.est % itsel%1 8And now the turtle dove its desired mate on the green banks has found.9
*@D Cant1 :?1
1B
1A
*A
6A
:B
:A
:1 The B$i&e/$ m calls the s .l the t.$tleJ& !e' "eca.se #hen it is see(in/ a%te$ the Bel !e& it is li(e the t.$tleJ& !e #hen it cann t %in& its &esi$e& mate1 It is sai& % the t.$tleJ& !e' #hen it cann t %in& its mate' that it #ill n t sits n the /$een " ./hs' n $ &$in( % the c l $e%$eshin/ #ate$s' n $ $eti$e t the sha&e' n $ min/le #ith c m0ani ns9 ".t #hen it %in&s its mate then it & es all this1 A1 S.ch' t ' is the c n&iti n % the s .l' an& necessa$il+' i% it is t attain t .ni n #ith the B$i&e/$ m1 The s .lLs l !e an& an5iet+ m.st "e s.ch that it cann t $est n the /$een " ./hs % an+ C +' n $ &$in( % the #ate$s % this # $l&Ls h n $ an& /l $+' n $ $ec$eate itsel% #ith an+ tem0 $al c ns lati n' n $ shelte$ itsel% in the sha&e % c$eate& hel0 an& 0$ tecti n? it m.st $e0 se n #he$e' it m.st a! i& the s ciet+ % all its inclinati ns' m .$n in its l neliness' .ntil it shall %in& the B$i&e/$ m t its 0e$%ect c ntentment1 @1 An& "eca.se the s .l' "e% $e it attaine& t this estate' s ./ht the Bel !e& in /$eat l !e' an& #as satis%ie& #ith n thin/ sh $t % Him' the B$i&e/$ m he$e s0ea(s % the en& % its la" $s' an& the %.l%illment % its &esi$es' sa+in/? ,N # the t.$tleJ& !e its &esi$e& mate n the /$een "an(s has % .n&1- That is? N # the "$i&eJs .l sits n the /$een " ./h' $eC icin/ in he$ Bel !e&' &$in(s % the clea$ #ate$s % the hi/hest c ntem0lati n an& % the #is& m % G &9 is $e%$eshe& "+ the c ns lati ns it %in&s in Him' an& is als shelte$e& .n&e$ the sha& # % His %a! $ an& 0$ tecti n' #hich she ha& s ea$nestl+ &esi$e&1 The$e is she &elici .sl+ an& &i!inel+ c m% $te&' $e%$eshe& an& n .$ishe&' as she sa+s in the' Canticle? ,I sat & #n .n&e$ His sha& # )h m I &esi$e&' an& His %$.it #as s#eet t m+ 0alate1-*@> NOTE THE B$i&e/$ m 0$ cee&s t s0ea( % the satis%acti n #hich He &e$i!es %$ m the ha00iness #hich the "$i&e has % .n& in that s lit.&e #he$ein she &esi$e& t li!e3a sta"le 0eace an& .nchan/ea"le / &1 F $ #hen the "$i&e is c n%i$me& in the t$an7.illit+ % he$ s .l an& s lita$+ l !e % the B$i&e/$ m' she $e0 ses s s#eetl+ in the l !e % G &' an& G & als in he$' that she $e7.i$es n the$ means $ maste$s t /.i&e he$ in the #a+ % G &9 % $ G & Himsel% is n # he$ li/ht an& /.i&e' %.l%illin/ in he$ #hat He 0$ mise& "+ the m .th % H sea' sa+in/? ,I #ill lea& he$ int the #il&e$ness' an& I #ill s0ea( t he$ hea$t1-*@G That is' it is in s lit.&e that He c mm.nicates Himsel%' an& .nites Himsel%' t the s .l' % $ t s0ea( t the hea$t is t satis%+ the hea$t' an& n hea$t can "e satis%ie& #ith less than G &1 An& s the B$i&e/$ m Sa+s?
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
*@> Cant1 *?6 *@G H s1 *?1:
STANZA XXXV
In solitude she lived, And in solitude built her nest! And in solitude, alone Has the Beloved guided her, In solitude also wounded with love. IN this stan4a the B$i&e/$ m is & in/ t# thin/s? ne is' He is 0$aisin/ the s lit.&e in #hich the s .l nce li!e&' % $ it #as the means #he$e"+ it % .n& the Bel !e&' an& $eC ice& in Him' a#a+ %$ m all its % $me$ an5ieties an& t$ ."les1 F $' as the s .l a" &e in s lit.&e' a"an& nin/ all c$eate& hel0 an& c ns lati n' in $&e$ t "tain the %ell #shi0 an& .ni n % the Bel !e&' it &ese$!e& the$e"+ 0 ssessi n % the 0eace % s lit.&e in the Bel !e&' in )h m it $e0 ses al ne' .n&ist.$"e& "+ an+ an5ieties1 *1 The sec n& is this? the B$i&e/$ m is sa+in/ that' inasm.ch as the s .l has &esi$e& t "e al ne' %a$ a#a+' % $ His sa(e' %$ m all c$eate& thin/s' He has "een enam $e& % it "eca.se % its l neliness' has ta(en ca$e % it' hel& it in His a$ms' %e& it #ith all / & thin/s' an& /.i&e& it t the &ee0 thin/s % G &1 He & es n t me$el+ sa+ that He is n # the s .lLs /.i&e' ".t that He is its nl+ /.i&e' #ith .t an+ inte$me&iate hel0' eithe$ % an/els $ % men' eithe$ % % $ms $ % %i/.$es9 % $ the s .l in this s lit.&e has attaine& t t$.e li"e$t+ % s0i$it' an& is #h ll+ &etache& %$ m all s." $&inate means1 8In solitude she lived.9 *A 61 The t.$tleJ& !e' that is' the s .l' li!e& in s lit.&e "e% $e she % .n& the Bel !e& in this state % .ni n9 % $ the s .l that l n/s a%te$ G & &e$i!es n c ns lati n %$ m an+ the$ c m0ani nshi0'3+es' .ntil it %in&s Him e!e$+thin/ & es ".t inc$ease its s lit.&e1 6B 8And in solitude built her nest.9 :1 The 0$e!i .s s lit.&e % the s .l #as its ! l.nta$+ 0$i!ati n % all the c m% $ts % this # $l&' % $ the sa(e % the B$i&e/$ m3as in the instance % the t.$tle& !e3its st$i!in/ a%te$ 0e$%ecti n' an& ac7.i$in/ that 0e$%ect s lit.&e #he$ein it attains t .ni n #ith the ) $&' an& in c nse7.ence t c m0lete $e%$eshment an& $e0 se1 This is #hat is meant "+ ,nest-9 an& the # $&s % the stan4a ma+ "e th.s e50laine&? ,In that s lit.&e' #he$ein the "$i&e % $me$l+ li!e&' t$ie& "+ a%%licti ns an& t$ ."les' "eca.se she #as n t 0e$%ect' the$e' in that s lit.&e' has she % .n& $e%$eshment an& $est' "eca.se she has % .n& 0e$%ect $est in G &1- This' t ' is the s0i$it.al sense % these # $&s % the Psalmist? ,The s0a$$ # has % .n& he$sel% a h .se' an& the t.$tle a nest % $ he$sel%' #he$e she ma+ la+ he$ + .n/ nes9*DB that is' a s.$e sta+ in G &' in )h m all the &esi$es an& 0 #e$s % the s .l a$e satis%ie&18And in solitude.9 :A A1 In the s lit.&e % 0e$%ect &etachment %$ m all thin/s' #he$ein it li!es al ne #ith G & 3the$e He /.i&es it' m !es it' an& ele!ates it t &i!ine thin/s1 He /.i&es the .n&e$stan&in/ in the 0e$ce0ti n % &i!ine thin/s' "eca.se it is n # &etache& %$ m all
*DB Ps1 >6?:
1B
1A
*B
6A
:B
st$an/e an& c nt$a$+ (n #le&/e' an& is al ne1 He m !es the #ill %$eel+ t l !e Himsel%' "eca.se it is n # al ne' &isenc.m"e$e& %$ m all the$ a%%ecti ns1 He %ills the mem $+ #ith &i!ine (n #le&/e' "eca.se that als is n # al ne' em0tie& % all ima/inati ns an& %ancies1 F $ the instant the s .l clea$s an& em0ties its %ac.lties % all ea$thl+ "Cects' an& %$ m attachments t hi/he$ thin/s' (ee0in/ them in s lit.&e' G & imme&iatel+ %ills them #ith the in!isi"le an& &i!ine9 it "ein/ G & Himsel% )h /.i&es it in this s lit.&e1 St1 Pa.l sa+s % the 0e$%ect' that the+ ,a$e le& "+ the S0i$it % G &'- *D1 an& that is the same as sa+in/ ,In s lit.&e has He /.i&e& he$18Alone has the Beloved guided her.9 @1 That is' the Bel !e& n t nl+ /.i&es the s .l in its s lit.&e' ".t it is He al ne )h # $(s in it &i$ectl+ an& imme&iatel+1 It is % the nat.$e % the s .lLs .ni n #ith G & in the s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e that G & # $(s &i$ectl+' an& c mm.nicates Himsel% imme&iatel+' n t "+ the minist$+ % an/els $ "+ the hel0 % nat.$al ca0acities1 F $ the e5te$i $ an& inte$i $ senses' all c$eate& thin/s' an& e!en the s .l itsel%' c nt$i".te !e$+ little t #a$&s the $ece0ti n % th se /$eat s.0e$nat.$al %a! $s #hich G & "est #s in this state9 in&ee&' inasm.ch as the+ & n t %all #ithin the c /ni4ance % nat.$al e%% $ts' a"ilit+ an& a00licati n' G & e%%ects them al ne1 D1 The $eas n is' that He %in&s the s .l al ne in its s lit.&e' an& the$e% $e #ill n t /i!e it an the$ c m0ani n' n $ #ill He ent$.st His # $( t an+ the$ than Himsel%1
1B
1A
*B
*A
>1 The$e is a ce$tain %itness in this9 % $ the s .l ha!in/ a"an& ne& all thin/s' an& 0asse& th$ ./h all the $&ina$+ means' $isin/ a" !e them t G &' G & Himsel% "ec mes the /.i&e' an& the #a+ t Himsel%1 The s .l in s lit.&e' &etache& %$ m all thin/s' ha!in/ n # ascen&e& a" !e all thin/s' n thin/ n # can 0$ %it $ hel0 it t ascen& hi/he$ e5ce0t the B$i&e/$ m ) $& Himsel%' )h ' "eca.se enam $e& % the "$i&e' #ill Himsel% al ne "est # these /$aces n the s .l1 An& s He sa+s? 8In solitude also wounded with love.9 G1 That is' the l !e % the "$i&e9 % $ the B$i&e/$ m n t nl+ l !es /$eatl+ the s lit.&e % the s .l' ".t is als # .n&e& #ith l !e % he$' "eca.se the s .l # .l& a"i&e in s lit.&e an& &etachment' n acc .nt % its "ein/ itsel% # .n&e& #ith l !e % Him1 He #ill n t' the$e% $e' lea!e it al ne9 % $ "ein/ # .n&e& #ith l !e "eca.se % the s .lLs s lit.&e n His acc .nt' an& seein/ that n thin/ else can satis%+ it' He c mes Himsel% t "e al ne its /.i&e' &$a#in/ it t ' an& a"s $"in/ it in' Himsel%1 B.t He # .l& n t ha!e & ne s i% He ha& n t % .n& it in this s0i$it.al s lit.&e1 NOTE IT is a st$an/e cha$acte$istic % 0e$s ns in l !e that the+ ta(e a m.ch /$eate$ 0leas.$e in thei$ l neliness than in the c m0an+ % the$s1 F $ i% the+ meet t /ethe$ in the 0$esence % the$s #ith #h m the+ nee& ha!e n inte$c .$se' an& %$ m #h m the+ ha!e n thin/ t c nceal' an& i% th se the$s neithe$ a&&$ess them n $ inte$%e$e #ith them' +et the !e$+ %act % thei$ 0$esence is s.%%icient t $ " the l !e$s % all 0leas.$e in thei$ meetin/1 The ca.se % this lies in the %act that l !e is the .ni n % t# 0e$s ns' #h #ill n t c mm.nicate #ith each the$ i% the+ a$e n t al ne1 An& n # the s .l' ha!in/ $eache&
*D1 R m1 >?1:
6B
6A
:B
:A
the s.mmit % 0e$%ecti n' an& li"e$t+ % s0i$it in G &' all the $esistance an& c nt$a&icti ns % the %lesh "ein/ s."&.e&' has n the$ cc.0ati n $ em0l +ment than in&.l/ence in the C +s % its intimate l !e % the B$i&e/$ m1 It is #$itten % h l+ T "it' a%te$ the t$ials % his li%e #e$e !e$' that G & $est $e& his si/ht' an& that ,the $est % his li%e #as in C +1-*D* S is it #ith the 0e$%ect s .l' it $eC ices in the "lessin/s that s.$$ .n& it1 *1 The 0$ 0het Isaiah sa+s % the s .l #hich' ha!in/ "een t$ie& in the # $(s % 0e$%ecti n has a$$i!e& at the / al &esi$e&? ,2 .$ li/ht shall a$ise .0 in &a$(ness' an& + .$ &a$(ness shall "e as the n n&a+1 An& the L $& #ill /i!e + . $est al#a+s' an& #ill %ill + .$ s .l #ith "$i/htness' an& &eli!e$ + .$ " nes' an& + . shall "e as a #ate$e& /a$&en an& as a % .ntain % #ate$ #h se #ate$s shall n t %ail1 An& the &ese$ts % the # $l& shall "e ".ilt in + .? + . shall $aise .0 the % .n&ati ns % /ene$ati n an& /ene$ati n9 an& + . shall "e calle& the ".il&e$ % the he&/es' t.$nin/ the 0aths int $est1 I% + . t.$n a#a+ + .$ % t %$ m the Sa""ath' %$ m & in/ + .$ #ill in M+ h l+ &a+' an& call the Sa""ath &elicate' an& the H l+ % .$ L $& /l $i .s' an& /l $i%+ Him #hile + . & n t + .$ #n #a+s' an& + .$ #ill "e n t % .n&' t s0ea( a # $&? then shall + . "e &eli/hte& in the L $&' an& I #ill li%t + . .0 a" !e the hei/hts % the ea$th' an& #ill %ee& + . #ith the inhe$itance % Jac " + .$ %athe$'-*D6 )h is G & Himsel%1 The s .l' the$e% $e' has n thin/ else t & n # ".t t $eC ice in the &eli/hts % this 0ast.$e' an& ne thin/ nl+ t &esi$e3the 0e$%ect %$.iti n % it in e!e$lastin/ li%e1 Th.s' in the ne5t an& the % ll #in/ stan4as it im0l $es the Bel !e& t a&mit it int this "eati%ic 0ast.$e in the clea$ !isi n % G &' an& sa+s?
1B
1A
*B
*D* T "1 1:?: *D6 Isa1 A>?1BJ1:
STANZA XXXVI
THE BRIDE A $et us re6oi e, O my Beloved, $et us go forth to see ourselves in Your beauty, #o the mountain and the hill, Where the "ure water flows0 $et us enter into the heart of the thi ket. THE 0e$%ect .ni n % l !e "et#een itsel% an& G & "ein/ n # e%%ecte&' the s .l l n/s t cc.0+ itsel% #ith th se thin/s that "el n/ t l !e1 It is the s .l #hich is n # s0ea(in/' ma(in/ th$ee 0etiti ns t the Bel !e&1 In the %i$st 0lace' it as(s % $ the C + an& s#eetness % l !e' sa+in/' ,Let .s $eC ice1- In the sec n& 0lace' it 0$a+s t "e ma&e li(e Him' sa+in/' ,Let .s / % $th t see .$sel!es in 2 .$ "ea.t+1- In the thi$& 0lace' it "e/s t "e a&mitte& t the (n #le&/e % His sec$ets' sa+in/' ,Let .s ente$ int the hea$t % the thic(et18$et us re6oi e, O my Beloved.9 *1 That is' in the s#eetness % .$ l !e9 n t nl+ in that s#eetness % $&ina$+ .ni n' ".t als in that #hich %l #s %$ m acti!e an& a%%ecti!e l !e' #hethe$ in the #ill "+ an act % a%%ecti n' $ .t#a$&l+ in / & # $(s #hich ten& t the se$!ice % the Bel !e&1 F $ l !e' as I ha!e sai&' #he$e it is %i$ml+ $ te&' e!e$ $.ns a%te$ th se C +s an& &eli/hts #hich a$e the acts % e5te$i $ an& inte$i $ l !e1 All this the s .l & es that it ma+ "e ma&e li(e t the Bel !e&1 8$et us go forth to see ourselves in Your beauty.9 6B 61 ,Let .s s act' that' "+ the 0$actice % this l !e' #e ma+ c me t see .$sel!es in 2 .$ "ea.t+ in e!e$lastin/ li%e1- That is? ,Let me "e s t$ans% $me& in 2 .$ "ea.t+' that' "ein/ ali(e in "ea.t+' #e ma+ see .$sel!es " th in 2 .$ "ea.t+9 ha!in/ 2 .$ "ea.t+' s that' ne "eh l&in/ the the$' each ma+ see his #n "ea.t+ in the the$' the "ea.t+ % " th "ein/ 2 .$s nl+' an& mine a"s $"e& in it1 An& th.s I shall see 2 . in 2 .$ "ea.t+' an& m+sel% in 2 .$ "ea.t+' an& 2 . shall see me in 2 .$ "ea.t+9 an& I shall see m+sel% in 2 . in 2 .$ "ea.t+' an& 2 . 2 .$sel% in me in 2 .$ "ea.t+9 s shall I seem t "e 2 .$sel% in 2 .$ "ea.t+' an& 2 . m+sel% in 2 .$ "ea.t+9 m+ "ea.t+ shall "e 2 .$s' 2 .$s shall "e mine' an& I shall "e 2 . in it' an& 2 . m+sel% in 2 .$ #n "ea.t+9 % $ 2 .$ "ea.t+ #ill "e m+ "ea.t+' an& s #e shall see' each the the$' in 2 .$ "ea.t+1:1 This is the a& 0ti n % the s ns % G &' #h ma+ t$.l+ sa+ #hat the S n Himsel% sa+s t the Ete$nal Fathe$? ,All M+ thin/s a$e 2 .$s' an& 2 .$s a$e Mine'- *D: He "+ essence' "ein/ the S n % G & "+ nat.$e' #e "+ 0a$tici0ati n' "ein/ s ns "+ a& 0ti n1 This He sa+s n t % $ Himsel% nl+' )h is the Hea&' ".t % $ the #h le m+stical " &+' #hich is the Ch.$ch1 F $ the Ch.$ch #ill sha$e in the !e$+ "ea.t+ % the B$i&e/$ m in the &a+ % he$ t$i.m0h' #hen she shall see G & %ace t %ace1 An& this is the !isi n #hich the s .l 0$a+s that the B$i&e/$ m an& itsel% ma+ / in His "ea.t+ t see1
*D: J hn 1D?1B
1B
1A
*B
*A
6A
:B
:A
8#o the mountain and the hill.9 A A1 That is' t the m $nin/ an& essential (n #le&/e % G &' *DA #hich is (n #le&/e in the Di!ine ) $&' )h ' "eca.se He is s hi/h' is he$e si/ni%ie& "+ ,the m .ntain1- Th.s Isaiah sa+s' callin/ .0 n men t (n # the S n % G &? ,C me' an& let .s / .0 t the m .ntain % .$ L $&-9*D@ an& "e% $e? ,In the last &a+s the m .ntain % the h .se % the L $& shall "e 0$e0a$e&1-*DD 8And to the hill.9 @1 That is' t the e!enin/ (n #le&/e % G &' t the (n #le&/e % Him in His c$eat.$es' in His # $(s' an& in His ma$!el .s la#s1 This is si/ni%ie& "+ the e50$essi n ,hill'"eca.se it is a (in& % (n #le&/e l #e$ than the the$1 The s .l 0$a+s % $ " th #hen it sa+s ,t the m .ntain an& the hill1D1 )hen the s .l sa+s' ,Let .s / % $th t see .$sel!es in 2 .$ "ea.t+ t the m .ntain'- its meanin/ is' ,T$ans% $m me' an& ma(e me li(e the "ea.t+ % the Di!ine )is& m' the ) $&' the S n % G &1- )hen it sa+s ,t the hill'- the meanin/ is' ,Inst$.ct me in the "ea.t+ % this l #e$ (n #le&/e' #hich is mani%est in 2 .$ c$eat.$es an& m+ste$i .s # $(s1- This als is the "ea.t+ % the S n % G &' #ith #hich the s .l &esi$es t shine1 >1 B.t the s .l cann t see itsel% in the "ea.t+ % G & i% it is n t t$ans% $me& in His #is& m' #he$ein all thin/s a$e seen an& 0 ssesse&' #hethe$ in hea!en $ in ea$th1 It #as t this m .ntain an& t this hill the "$i&e l n/e& t c me #hen she sai&' ,I #ill / t the m .ntain % m+$$h' an& t the hill % %$an(incense1-*D> The m .ntain % m+$$h is the clea$ !isi n % G &' an& the hill % %$an(incense the (n #le&/e % Him in His # $(s' % $ the m+$$h n the m .ntain is % a hi/he$ $&e$ than the incense n the hill1 8Where the "ure water flows.9 G1 This is the #is& m an& (n #le&/e % G &' #hich cleanse the .n&e$stan&in/' an& &etach it %$ m all acci&ents an& %ancies' an& #hich clea$ it % the mist % i/n $ance1 The s .l is e!e$ in%l.ence& "+ this &esi$e % 0e$%ectl+ an& clea$l+ .n&e$stan&in/ the &i!ine !e$ities' an& the m $e it l !es the m $e it &esi$es t 0enet$ate them' an& hence the thi$& 0etiti n #hich it ma(es? 8$et us enter into the heart of the thi ket!9 :B 1B1 Int the &e0ths % G &Ls ma$!el .s # $(s an& 0$ % .n& C.&/ments1 S.ch is thei$ m.ltit.&e an& !a$iet+' that the+ ma+ "e calle& a thic(et1 The+ a$e s %.ll % #is& m an& m+ste$+' that #e ma+ n t nl+ call them a thic(et' ".t #e ma+ e!en a00l+ t them the
*DA St1 A./.stine' KDe Genesi a& Litt1L i!1' 55i!1 Oan& else#he$eP an& the sch lastics OSt1 Th mas' KS1 Th1L I1 l!iii1 DP &istin/.ish "et#een the Km $nin/ (n #le&/eL #he$e"+ an/els an& saints (n # c$eate& thin/s "+ seein/ the Di!ine ) $&' an& Ke!enin/ (n #le&/eL #he$e the+ &e$i!e thei$ (n #le&/e %$ m the c$eate& thin/s themsel!es1 *D@ Isa1 *?6 *DD Isa1 *?* *D> Cant1 :?@
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
# $&s % Da!i&? ,The m .ntain % G & is a $ich m .ntain' a m .ntain c.$&le& as cheese' a $ich m .ntain1-*DG The thic(et % the #is& m an& (n #le&/e % G & is s &ee0' an& s immense' that the s .l' h #e!e$ m.ch it (n #s % it' can al#a+s 0enet$ate %.$the$ #ithin it' "eca.se it is s immense an& s inc m0$ehensi"le1 ,O the &e0th'- c$ies .t the A0 stle' , % the $iches % the #is& m an& % the (n #le&/e % G &M H # inc m0$ehensi"le a$e His C.&/ments' an& h # .nsea$cha"le His #a+sM-*>B 111 B.t the s .l l n/s t ente$ this thic(et an& inc m0$ehensi"ilit+ % His C.&/ments' % $ it is m !e& "+ that l n/in/ % $ a &ee0e$ (n #le&/e % them1 That (n #le&/e is an inestima"le &eli/ht' t$anscen&in/ all .n&e$stan&in/1 Da!i&' s0ea(in/ % the s#eetness % them' sa+s? ,The C.&/ments % .$ L $& a$e t$.e' C.sti%ie& in themsel!es' t "e &esi$e& a" !e / l& an& man+ 0$eci .s st nes' an& s#eete$ than h ne+ an& the h ne+Jc m"1 F $ 2 .$ se$!ant (ee0s them1-*>1 The s .l the$e% $e ea$nestl+ l n/s t "e en/.l%e& in His C.&/ments' an& t ha!e a &ee0e$ (n #le&/e % them' an& % $ that en& # .l& esteem it a C + an& /$eat c ns lati n t en&.$e all s.%%e$in/s an& a%%licti ns in the # $l&' an& #hate!e$ else mi/ht hel0 it t that en&' h #e!e$ ha$& an& 0ain%.l it mi/ht "e9 it # .l& /la&l+ 0ass th$ ./h the a/ nies % &eath t ente$ &ee0e$ int G &1 1*1 Hence' als ' the thic(et' #hich the s .l &esi$es t ente$' ma+ "e %ittin/l+ .n&e$st & as si/ni%+in/ the /$eat an& man+ t$ials an& t$i".lati ns #hich the s .l l n/s % $' "eca.se s.%%e$in/ is m st s#eet an& m st 0$ %ita"le t it' inasm.ch as it is the #a+ "+ #hich it ente$s m $e an& m $e int the thic(et % the &elici .s #is& m % G &1 The m st 0.$e s.%%e$in/ lea&s t the m st 0.$e an& the &ee0est (n #le&/e' an& c nse7.entl+ t the 0.$est an& hi/hest C +' % $ that is the iss.e % the &ee0est (n #le&/e1 Th.s' the s .l' n t satis%ie& #ith $&ina$+ s.%%e$in/' sa+s' ,Let .s ente$ int the hea$t % the thic(et'- e!en the an/.ish % &eath' that I ma+ see G &1 161 J "' &esi$in/ t s.%%e$ that he mi/ht see G &' th.s s0ea(s ,)h #ill /$ant that m+ $e7.est ma+ c me' an& that G & ma+ /i!e me #hat I l ( % $8 An& that He that has "e/.n ma+ &est$ + me' that He ma+ let l se His han& an& c.t me %%8 An& that this ma+ "e m+ c m% $t' that a%%lictin/ me #ith s $$ #' He s0a$e n t1- *>* O that men # .l& .n&e$stan& h # im0 ssi"le it is t ente$ the thic(et' the mani% l& $iches % the #is& m % G &' #ith .t ente$in/ int the thic(et % mani% l& s.%%e$in/ ma(in/ it the &esi$e an& c ns lati n % the s .l9 an& h # that the s .l #hich $eall+ l n/s % $ the &i!ine #is& m l n/s %i$st % all % $ the s.%%e$in/s % the C$ ss' that it ma+ ente$ in1 1:1 F $ this ca.se it #as that St1 Pa.l a&m nishe& the E0hesians n t t %aint in thei$ t$i".lati ns' ".t t ta(e c .$a/e? ,That "ein/ $ te& an& % .n&e& in cha$it+' + . ma+ "e a"le t c m0$ehen& #ith all the saints #hat is the "$ea&th' an& len/th' an& hei/ht' an& &e0th9 t (n # als the cha$it+ % Ch$ist' #hich s.$0asses all (n #le&/e' that + . ma+ "e %ille& t all the %.llness % G &1-*>6 The /ate "+ #hich #e ente$ int the $iches % the (n #le&/e % G & is the C$ ss9 an& that /ate is na$$ #1 The+ #h &esi$e t ente$ in that #a+ a$e %e#' #hile th se #h &esi$e the C +s that c me "+ it a$e man+1 NOTE
*DG Ps1 @D?1@ *>B R m1 11?66 *>1 Ps1 1>?1BJ1* *>* J " @?>J1B *>6 E0h1 6?1DJ1G
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
1B
ONE % the 0$inci0al $eas ns #h+ the s .l &esi$es t "e $elease& an& t "e #ith Ch$ist is that it ma+ see Him %ace t %ace' an& 0enet$ate t the &e0ths % His #a+s an& the ete$nal m+ste$ies % His inca$nati n' #hich is n t the least 0a$t % its "lesse&ness9 % $ in the G s0el % St1 J hn He' a&&$essin/ the Fathe$' sai&? ,N # this is ete$nal li%e? that the+ ma+ (n # 2 .' the nl+ t$.e G &' an& Jes.s Ch$ist )h m 2 . ha!e sent1- *>: As the %i$st act % a 0e$s n #h has ta(en a l n/ C .$ne+ is t see an& c n!e$se #ith him #h m he #as in sea$ch %' s the %i$st thin/ #hich the s .l &esi$es' #hen it has attaine& t the "eati%ic !isi n' is t (n # an& enC + the &ee0 sec$ets an& m+ste$ies % the inca$nati n an& the ancient #a+s % G & &e0en&in/ n them1 Th.s the s .l' ha!in/ sai& that it l n/e& t see itsel% in the "ea.t+ % G &' sin/s as in the % ll #in/ stan4a?
*>: J hn 1D?6
STANZA XXXVII
A We shall go at on e #o the dee" averns of the ro k Whi h are all se ret! #here we shall enter in, And taste of the new wine of the "omegranate. ONE % the $eas ns #hich m st in%l.ence the s .l t &esi$e t ente$ int the ,thic(et- % the #is& m % G &' an& t ha!e a m $e intimate (n #le&/e % the "ea.t+ % the &i!ine #is& m' is' as I ha!e sai&' that it ma+ .nite the .n&e$stan&in/ #ith G & in the (n #le&/e % the m+ste$ies % the Inca$nati n' as % all His # $(s the hi/hest an& m st %.ll % s#eetness' an& the m st &elici .s (n #le&/e1 An& he$e the "$i&e the$e% $e sa+s' that a%te$ she has ente$e& in #ithin the &i!ine #is& m3that is' the s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' #hich is n # an& #ill "e in /l $+' seein/ G & %ace t %ace3he$ s .l .nite& #ith the &i!ine #is& m' the S n % G &' she #ill then .n&e$stan& the &ee0 m+ste$ies % G & an& Man' #hich a$e the hi/hest #is& m hi&&en in G &1 The+' that is' the "$i&e an& the B$i&e/$ m' #ill ente$ in3the s .l en/.l%e& an& a"s $"e&3an& " th t /ethe$ #ill ha!e the %$.iti n % the C + #hich s0$in/s %$ m the (n #le&/e % m+ste$ies' an& att$i".tes an& 0 #e$ % G & #hich a$e $e!eale& in th se m+ste$ies' s.ch as His C.stice' His me$c+' #is& m' 0 #e$' an& l !e1 8We shall go at on e to the dee" averns of the ro k.9 *A *1 ,This $ c( is Ch$ist'- as #e lea$n %$ m St1 Pa.l1 *>A The &ee0 ca!e$ns % the $ c( a$e the &ee0 m+ste$ies % the #is& m % G & in Ch$ist' in the h+0 statical .ni n % the h.man nat.$e #ith the Di!ine ) $&' an& in the c $$es0 n&ence #ith it % the .ni n % man #ith G &' an& in the a/$eement % G &Ls C.stice an& me$c+ in the sal!ati n % man(in&' in the mani%estati n % His C.&/ments1 An& "eca.se His C.&/ments a$e s hi/h an& s &ee0' the+ a$e he$e %ittin/l+ calle& ,&ee0 ca!e$ns-9 &ee0 "eca.se % the &e0th % His m+ste$ies' an& ca!e$ns "eca.se % the &e0th % His #is& m in them1 F $ as ca!e$ns a$e &ee0' #ith man+ #in&in/s' s each m+ste$+ % Ch$ist is % &ee0est #is& m' an& has man+ #in&in/s % His sec$et C.&/ments % 0$e&estinati n an& % $e(n #le&/e #ith $es0ect t men1 61 N t#ithstan&in/ the ma$!el .s m+ste$ies #hich h l+ & ct $s ha!e &isc !e$e&' an& h l+ s .ls ha!e .n&e$st & in this li%e' man+ m $e $emain "ehin&1 The$e a$e in Ch$ist /$eat &e0ths t "e %ath me&' % $ He is a $ich mine' #ith man+ $ecesses %.ll % t$eas.$es' an& h #e!e$ &ee0l+ #e ma+ &escen& #e shall ne!e$ $each the en&' % $ in e!e$+ $ecess ne# !eins % ne# t$eas.$es a" .n& in all &i$ecti ns? ,In )h m'- acc $&in/ t the A0 stle' ,a$e hi& all the t$eas.$es % #is& m an& (n #le&/e1- *>@ B.t the s .l cann t $each these hi&&en t$eas.$es .nless it %i$st 0asses th$ ./h the thic(et % inte$i $ an& e5te$i $ s.%%e$in/? % $ e!en s.ch (n #le&/e % the m+ste$ies % Ch$ist as is 0 ssi"le in this li%e cann t "e ha& #ith .t /$eat s.%%e$in/s' an& #ith .t man+ intellect.al an& m $al /i%ts' an& #ith .t 0$e!i .s s0i$it.al e5e$cises9 % $ all these /i%ts a$e %a$ in%e$i $ t this (n #le&/e % the m+ste$ies % Ch$ist' "ein/ nl+ a 0$e0a$ati n % $ it1
*>A 1 C $1 1B?: *>@ C l1 *?6
1B
1A
*B
6B
6A
:B
:A
:1 Th.s G & sai& t M ses' #hen he as(e& t see His /l $+' ,Man shall n t see Me an& li!e1- G &' h #e!e$' sai& that He # .l& sh # him all that c .l& "e $e!eale& in this li%e9 an& s He set M ses ,in a h le % the $ c('- #hich is Ch$ist' #he$e he mi/ht see His ,"ac( 0a$ts-9*>D that is' He ma&e him .n&e$stan& the m+ste$ies % the Sac$e& H.manit+1 A1 The s .l l n/s t ente$ in ea$nest int these ca!e$ns % Ch$ist' that it ma+ "e a"s $"e&' t$ans% $me&' an& ine"$iate& in the l !e an& (n #le&/e % His m+ste$ies' hi&in/ itsel% in the " s m % the Bel !e&1 It is int these ca!e$ns that He in!ites the "$i&e' in the Canticle' t ente$' sa+in/? ,A$ise' M+ l !e' M+ "ea.ti%.l ne' an& c me9 M+ & !e in the cle%ts % the $ c(' in the h ll # 0laces % the #all1-*>> These cle%ts % the $ c( a$e the ca!e$ns % #hich #e a$e he$e s0ea(in/' an& t #hich the "$i&e $e%e$s' sa+in/? 8And there we shall enter in.9 @1 That is' in the (n #le&/e % the &i!ine m+ste$ies1 The "$i&e & es n t sa+ ,I #ill ente$- al ne' #hich seems the m st %ittin/3seein/ that the B$i&e/$ m has n nee& t ente$ in a/ain3".t ,#e #ill ente$'- that is' the B$i&e/$ m an& the "$i&e' t sh # that this is n t the # $( % the "$i&e' ".t % the B$i&e/$ m #ith he$1 M $e !e$' inasm.ch as G & an& the s .l a$e n # .nite& in the state % s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' the s .l & es n thin/ % itsel% #ith .t G &1 T sa+ ,#e #ill ente$'- is as m.ch as t sa+' ,the$e shall #e t$ans% $m .$sel!es-3that is' ,I shall "e t$ans% $me& in 2 . th$ ./h the l !e % 2 .$ &i!ine an& s#eet C.&/ments-? % $ in the (n #le&/e % the 0$e&estinati n % the C.st an& in the % $esi/ht % the #ic(e&' #he$ein the Fathe$ 0$e!ente& the C.st in the "ene&icti ns % His s#eetness in Jes.s Ch$ist His S n' the s .l is t$ans% $me& in a m st e5alte& an& 0e$%ect #a+ in the l !e % G & acc $&in/ t this (n #le&/e' /i!in/ than(s t the Fathe$' an& l !in/ Him a/ain an& a/ain #ith /$eat s#eetness an& &eli/ht' % $ the sa(e % Jes.s Ch$ist His S n1 This the s .l & es in .ni n #ith Ch$ist an& t /ethe$ #ith Him1 The &eli/ht %l #in/ %$ m this act % 0$aise is ine%%a"l+ s#eet' an& the s .l s0ea(s % it in the # $&s that % ll #? 8And taste of the new wine of the "omegranates.9
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
D1 The 0 me/$anates he$e a$e the m+ste$ies % Ch$ist an& the C.&/ments % the #is& m % G &9 His 0 #e$ an& att$i".tes' the (n #le&/e % #hich #e ha!e %$ m these m+ste$ies9 an& the+ a$e in%inite1 F $ as 0 me/$anates ha!e man+ /$ains in thei$ $ .n& $"' s in each ne % the att$i".tes an& C.&/ments an& 0 #e$ % G & is a m.ltit.&e % a&mi$a"le a$$an/ements an& ma$!el .s # $(s c ntaine& #ithin the s0he$e % 0 #e$ an& m+ste$+' a00e$tainin/ t th se # $(s1 C nsi&e$ the $ .n& % $m % the 0 me/$anate9 % $ each 0 me/$anate si/ni%ies s me ne 0 #e$ an& att$i".te % G &' #hich 0 #e$ $ att$i".te is G & Himsel%' s+m" li4e& he$e "+ the ci$c.la$ %i/.$e' #hich has neithe$ "e/innin/ n t en&1 It #as in the c ntem0lati n % the C.&/ments an& m+ste$ies % the #is& m % G &' #hich a$e in%inite' that the "$i&e sai&' ,His "ell+ is % i! $+ set #ith sa00hi$es1-*>G The sa00hi$es a$e the m+ste$ies an& C.&/ments % the &i!ine )is& m' #hich is he$e si/ni%ie& "+ the ,"ell+-3the sa00hi$e "ein/ a 0$eci .s st ne % the c l $ % the hea!ens #hen clea$ an& se$ene1
*>D E5 &1 66?*BJ*6 *>> Cant1 *?16'1: *>G Cant1 A?1:
>1 The #ine % the 0 me/$anates #hich the "$i&e sa+s that she an& the B$i&e/$ m #ill taste is the %$.iti n an& C + % the l !e % G & #hich !e$%l #s the s .l in the .n&e$stan&in/ an& (n #le&/e % His m+ste$ies1 F $ as the man+ /$ains % the 0 me/$anate 0$esse& t /ethe$ /i!e % $th ".t ne #ine' s all the ma$!els an& ma/ni%icence % G &' in%.se& int the s .l' iss.e in ".t ne %$.iti n an& C + % l !e' #hich is the &$in( % the H l+ S0i$it' an& #hich the s .l %%e$s at nce t G & the ) $&' its B$i&e/$ m' #ith /$eat ten&e$ness % l !e1 G1 This &i!ine &$in( the "$i&e 0$ mise& t the B$i&e/$ m i% He # .l& lea& he$ int this &ee0 (n #le&/e? ,The$e 2 . shall teach me'- sa+s the "$i&e' ,an& I #ill /i!e 2 . a c.0 % s0ice& #ine' an& ne# #ine % m+ 0 me/$anates1- *GB The s .l calls them ,m+ 0 me/$anates'- th ./h the+ a$e G &Ls )h ha& /i!en them t it' an& the s .l %%e$s them t G & as i% the+ #e$e its #n' sa+in/' ,)e #ill taste % the #ine % the 0 me/$anates-9 % $ #hen He states it He /i!es it t the s .l t taste' an& #hen the s .l tastes it' the s .l /i!es it "ac( t Him' an& th.s it is that " th taste it t /ethe$1 NOTE
1B
1A
*B
*A
IN the t# 0$e!i .s stan4as the "$i&e s.n/ % th se / & thin/s #hich the B$i&e/$ m is t /i!e he$ in e!e$lastin/ "liss' namel+' he$ t$ans% $mati n in the "ea.t+ % c$eate& an& .nc$eate& #is& m' an& als in the "ea.t+ % the .ni n % the ) $& #ith %lesh' #he$ein she shall "eh l& His %ace as #ell as His "ac(1 Acc $&in/l+ t# thin/s a$e set "e% $e .s in the % ll #in/ stan4a1 The %i$st is the #a+ in #hich the s .l tastes % the &i!ine #ine % the 0 me/$anates9 the sec n& is the s .lLs 0.ttin/ "e% $e the B$i&e/$ m the /l $+ % its 0$e&estinati n1 An& th ./h these t# thin/s a$e s0 (en % se0a$atel+' ne a%te$ the the$' the+ a$e " th in! l!e& in the ne essential /l $+ % the s .l1
*GB Cant1 >?*
STANZA XXXVIII
A #here you will show me #hat whi h my soul desired! And there You will give at on e, O You, my life, #hat whi h You gave me the other day. THE $eas n #h+ the s .l l n/e& t ente$ the ca!e$ns #as that it mi/ht attain t the c ns.mmati n % the l !e % G &' the "Cect % its c ntin.al &esi$es9 that is' that it mi/ht l !e G & #ith the 0.$eness an& 0e$%ecti n #ith #hich He has l !e& it' s that it mi/ht the$e"+ $e7.ite His l !e1 Hence in the 0$esent stan4a the "$i&e sa+s t the B$i&e/$ m that He #ill the$e sh # he$ #hat she ha& al#a+s aime& at in all he$ acti ns' namel+' that He # .l& sh # he$ h # t l !e Him 0e$%ectl+' as He has l !e& he$1 An&' sec n&l+' that He #ill /i!e he$ that essential /l $+ % $ #hich He has 0$e&estine& he$ %$ m the &a+ % His ete$nit+1 8#here You will show me #hat whi h my soul desired.9 *1 That #hich the s .l aims at is e7.alit+ in l !e #ith G &' the "Cect % its nat.$al an& s.0e$nat.$al &esi$e1 He #h l !es cann t "e satis%ie& i% he & es n t %eel that he l !es as m.ch as he is l !e&1 An& #hen the s .l sees that in the t$ans% $mati n in G &' s.ch as is 0 ssi"le in this li%e' n t#ithstan&in/ the immensit+ % its l !e' it cann t e7.al the 0e$%ecti n % that l !e #ith #hich G & l !es it' it &esi$es the clea$ t$ans% $mati n % /l $+ in #hich it shall e7.al the 0e$%ecti n % l !e #ith #hich it is itsel% "el !e& % G &9 it &esi$es' I sa+' the clea$ t$ans% $mati n % /l $+ in #hich it shall e7.al His l !e1 61 F $ th ./h in this hi/h state' #hich the s .l $eaches n ea$th' the$e is a $eal .ni n % the #ill' +et it cann t $each that 0e$%ecti n an& st$en/th % l !e #hich it #ill 0 ssess in the .ni n % /l $+9 seein/ that then' acc $&in/ t the A0 stle' the s .l #ill (n # G & as it is (n #n % Him? ,Then I shall (n # e!en as I am (n #n1- *G1 That is' ,I shall then l !e G & e!en as I am l !e& "+ Him1- F $ as the .n&e$stan&in/ % the s .l #ill then "e the .n&e$stan&in/ % G &' an& its #ill the #ill % G &' s its l !e #ill als "e His l !e1 Th ./h in hea!en the #ill % the s .l is n t &est$ +e&' it is s intimatel+ .nite& #ith the 0 #e$ % the #ill % G &' )h l !es it' that it l !es Him as st$ n/l+ an& as 0e$%ectl+ as it is l !e& % Him9 " th #ills "ein/ .nite& in ne s le #ill an& ne s le l !e % G &1 :1 Th.s the s .l l !es G & #ith the #ill an& st$en/th % G & Himsel%' "ein/ ma&e ne #ith that !e$+ st$en/th % l !e #ith #hich itsel% is l !e& % G &1 This st$en/th is % the H l+ S0i$it' in )h m the s .l is the$e t$ans% $me&1 He is /i!en t the s .l t st$en/then its l !e9 ministe$in/ t it' an& s.00l+in/ in it' "eca.se % its t$ans% $mati n in /l $+' that #hich is &e%ecti!e in it1 In the 0e$%ect t$ans% $mati n' als ' % the state % s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' s.ch as is 0 ssi"le n ea$th' in #hich the s .l is all cl the& in /$ace' the s .l l !es in a ce$tain #a+ in the H l+ S0i$it' )h is /i!en t it in that t$ans% $mati n1 A1 )e a$e t
*G1 1 C $1 16?1*
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
:A
"se$!e he$e that the "$i&e & es n t sa+' ,The$e #ill 2 . /i!e me 2 .$
l !e'- th ./h that is t$.e3% $ that means nl+ that G & #ill l !e he$3".t that He #ill the$e sh # he$ h # she is t l !e Him #ith that 0e$%ecti n at #hich she aims' "eca.se the$e in /i!in/ he$ His l !e He #ill at the same time sh # he$ h # t l !e Him as He l !es he$1 F $ G & n t nl+ teaches the s .l t l !e Himsel% 0.$el+' #ith a &isinte$este& l !e' as He has l !e& .s' ".t He als ena"les it t l !e Him #ith that st$en/th #ith #hich He l !es the s .l' t$ans% $min/ it in His l !e' #he$ein He "est #s .0 n it His #n 0 #e$' s that it ma+ l !e Him1 It is as i% He 0.t an inst$.ment in its han&' ta./ht it the .se the$e %' an& 0la+e& .0 n it t /ethe$ #ith the s .l1 This is sh #in/ the s .l h # it is t l !e' an& at the same time en& #in/ it #ith the ca0acit+ % l !in/1 @1 The s .l is n t satis%ie& .ntil it $eaches this 0 int' neithe$ # .l& it "e satis%ie& e!en in hea!en' .nless it %elt' as St1 Th mas teaches'*G* that it l !e& G & as m.ch as it is l !e& % Him1 An& as I sai& % the state % s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e % #hich I am s0ea(in/' the$e is n # at this time' th ./h it cann t "e that 0e$%ect l !e in /l $+' a ce$tain !i!i& !isi n an& li(eness % that 0e$%ecti n' #hich is #h ll+ in&esc$i"a"le1 8And there You will give me at on e, O You my life, that whi h You gave me the other day.9
1B
1A
*B
*A
D1 )hat He #ill /i!e is the essential /l $+ #hich c nsists in the !isi n % G &1 Be% $e 0$ cee&in/ %.$the$ it is $e7.isite t s l!e a 7.esti n #hich a$ises he$e' namel+' )h+ is it' seein/ that essential /l $+ c nsists in the !isi n % G &' an& n t in l !in/ Him' the s .l sa+s that its l n/in/ is % $ His l !e' an& n t % $ the essential /l $+8 )h+ is it that the s .l "e/ins the stan4a #ith $e%e$$in/ t His l !e' an& then int$ &.ces the s."Cect % the essential /l $+ a%te$#a$&s' as i% it #e$e s methin/ % less im0 $tance8 >1 The$e a$e t# $eas ns % $ this1 The %i$st is this? As the #h le aim % the s .l is l !e' the seat % #hich is in the #ill' the 0$ 0e$t+ % #hich is t /i!e an& n t t $ecei!e3the 0$ 0e$t+ % the .n&e$stan&in/' the s."Cect % essential /l $+' "ein/ t $ecei!e an& n t t /i!e3t the s .l ine"$iate& #ith l !e the %i$st c nsi&e$ati n is n t the essential /l $+ #hich G & #ill "est # .0 n it' ".t the enti$e s.$$en&e$ % itsel% t Him in t$.e l !e' #ith .t an+ $e/a$& t its #n a&!anta/e1 G1 The sec n& $eas n is that the sec n& "Cect is incl.&e& in the %i$st' an& has "een ta(en % $ /$ante& in the 0$e!i .s stan4as' it "ein/ im0 ssi"le t attain t the 0e$%ect l !e % G & #ith .t the 0e$%ect !isi n % Him1 The 7.esti n is s l!e& "+ the %i$st $eas n' % $ the s .l $en&e$s t G & "+ l !e that #hich is His &.e' ".t #ith the .n&e$stan&in/ it $ecei!es %$ m Him an& & es n t /i!e1 1B1 I n # $es.me the e50lanati n % the stan4a' an& in7.i$e #hat &a+ is meant "+ the , the$ &a+'- an& #hat is it that G & then /a!e the s .l' an& #hat that is #hich it 0$a+s t $ecei!e a%te$#a$&s in /l $+8 B+ , the$ &a+- is meant the &a+ % the ete$nit+ % G &' #hich is the$ than the &a+ % time1 In that &a+ % ete$nit+ G & 0$e&estine& the s .l t /l $+' an& &ete$mine& the &e/$ee % /l $+ #hich He # .l& /i!e it an& %$eel+ /a!e %$ m the "e/innin/ "e% $e He c$eate& it1 This n #' in a manne$' s t$.l+ "el n/s t the s .l that n e!ent $ acci&ent' hi/h $ l #' can e!e$ ta(e it a#a+' % $ the s .l #ill enC + % $ e!e$ that % $ #hich G & ha& 0$e&estine& it %$ m all ete$nit+1 111 This is that #hich He /a!e it ,the the$ &a+-9 that #hich the s .l l n/s n # t
*G* KO0.sc &e Beatit.&ine'L ch1 *1
6B
6A
:B
:A
0 ssess !isi"l+ in /l $+1 An& #hat is that #hich He /a!e it8 That #hat ,e+e has n t seen n $ ea$ has hea$&' neithe$ has it ascen&e& int the hea$t % man1- *G6 ,The e+e has n t seen'- sa+s Isaiah' ,O G &' "esi&e 2 .' #hat thin/s 2 . ha!e 0$e0a$e& % $ them that e50ect 2 .1-*G: The s .l has n # $& t &esc$i"e it' s it sa+s ,#hat1- It is in t$.th the !isi n % G &' an& as the$e is n e50$essi n "+ #hich #e can e50lain #hat it is t see G &' the s .l sa+s nl+ ,that #hich 2 . /a!e me11*1 B.t that I ma+ n t lea!e the s."Cect #ith .t sa+in/ s methin/ %.$the$ c nce$nin/ it' I #ill $e0eat #hat Ch$ist has sai& % it in the Re!elati n % St1 J hn' in man+ te$ms' 0h$ases' an& c m0a$is ns' "eca.se a sin/le # $& nce .tte$e& cann t &esc$i"e it' % $ the$e is m.ch still .nsai&' n t#ithstan&in/ all that Ch$ist has s0 (en at se!en &i%%e$ent times1 ,T him that !e$c mes'- sa+s He' ,I #ill /i!e t eat % the t$ee % li%e' #hich is in the 0a$a&ise % M+ G &1-*GA B.t as this & es n t 0e$%ectl+ &esc$i"e it' He sa+s a/ain? ,Be %aith%.l t &eath9 an& I #ill /i!e + . the c$ #n % li%e1-*G@ 161 This als is ins.%%icient' an& s He s0ea(s a/ain m $e "sc.$el+' ".t e50lainin/ it m $e? ,T him that !e$c mes I #ill /i!e the hi&&en manna' an& #ill /i!e him a #hite c .nte$' an& n the c .nte$ a ne# name #$itten #hich n man (n #s ".t he that $ecei!es it1-*GD An& as e!en this is still ins.%%icient' the S n % G & s0ea(s % /$eat 0 #e$ an& C +' sa+in/? ,He that shall !e$c me an& (ee0 M+ # $(s t the en&' I #ill /i!e him 0 #e$ !e$ the nati ns? an& he shall $.le them #ith a $ & % i$ n' an& as a !essel % the 0 tte$ the+ shall "e "$ (en? as I als ha!e $ecei!e& % M+ Fathe$1 An& I #ill /i!e him the m $nin/ sta$1-*G> N t satis%ie& #ith these # $&s' He a&&s? ,He that shall !e$c me shall th.s "e !este& in #hite /a$ments' an& I #ill n t 0.t his name .t % the " ( % li%e' an& I #ill c n%ess his name "e% $e M+ Fathe$1-*GG 1:1 Still' all this %alls sh $t1 He s0ea(s % it in # $&s % .n.tte$a"le maCest+ an& /$an&e.$? ,He that shall !e$c me I #ill ma(e Him a 0illa$ in the tem0le % M+ G &' an& he shall / .t n m $e9 an& I #ill #$ite .0 n him the name % M+ G &' an& the name % the cit+ % M+ G &' the ne# Je$.salem #hich &escen&s .t % hea!en %$ m M+ G &' an& M+ ne# name1-6BB The se!enth time He sa+s? ,He that shall !e$c me I #ill /i!e t him t sit #ith Me in M+ th$ ne? as I als ha!e !e$c me' an& sat #ith M+ Fathe$ in His th$ ne1 He that has an ea$ let him hea$ #hat the S0i$it sa+s t the Ch.$ches1-6B1 1A1 These a$e the # $&s % the S n % G &9 all % #hich ten& t &esc$i"e that #hich #as /i!en t the s .l1 The # $&s c $$es0 n& m st acc.$atel+ #ith it' ".t still the+ & n t e50lain it' "eca.se it in! l!es in%inite / &1 The n "lest e50$essi ns "e%it it' ".t n ne % them $each it' n ' n t all t /ethe$1
1B
1A
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B 1@1 Let .s n # see #hethe$ Da!i& has sai& an+thin/ % it1 In ne % the Psalms he sa+s' ,O h # /$eat is the m.ltit.&e % + .$ s#eetness' O L $&' #hich 2 . ha!e hi&&en % $
*G6 1 C $1 *?G *G: Isa1 @:?: *GA Re!1 *?D *G@ Re!1 *?1B *GD Re!1 *?1D *G> Re!1 *?*@J*> *GG Re!1 6?A 6BB Re!1 6?1* 6B1 Re!1 6?*1'**
them that %ea$ 2 .1-6B* In an the$ 0lace he calls it a ,t $$ent % 0leas.$e'- sa+in/' ,2 . shall ma(e them &$in( % the t $$ent % 2 .$ 0leas.$e1-6B6 An& as he &i& n t c nsi&e$ this en ./h' he sa+s a/ain' ,2 . ha!e 0$e!ente& him #ith "lessin/s % s#eetness1- 6B: The e50$essi n that $i/htl+ %its this ,that- % the s .l' namel+' its 0$e&estine& "liss' cann t "e % .n&1 Let .s' the$e% $e' $est satis%ie& #ith #hat the s .l has .se& in $e%e$ence t it' an& e50lain the # $&s as % ll #s? 8#hat whi h You gave me.9
1B
1A
1D1 That is' ,That #ei/ht % /l $+ t #hich 2 . 0$e&estine& me' O m+ B$i&e/$ m' in the &a+ % 2 .$ ete$nit+' #hen it #as 2 .$ / & 0leas.$e t &ec$ee m+ c$eati n' 2 . #ill then /i!e me in m+ &a+ % m+ "et$ thal an& % m+ n.0tials' in m+ &a+ % the C + % m+ hea$t' #hen' $elease& %$ m the ".$&en % the %lesh' le& int the &ee0 ca!e$ns % 2 .$ "$i&al cham"e$ an& /l $i .sl+ t$ans% $me& in 2 .' #e &$in( the #ine % the s#eet 0 me/$anates1NOTE
*B
*A
BUT inasm.ch as the s .l' in the state % s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' % #hich I am n # s0ea(in/' cann t ".t (n # s methin/ % this ,that'- seein/ that "eca.se % its t$ans% $mati n in G & s methin/ % it m.st "e e50e$ience& "+ it' it #ill n t mit t sa+ s methin/ n the s."Cect' the 0le&/es an& si/ns % #hich it is c nsci .s % in itsel%' as it is #$itten? ,)h can #ithh l& the # $&s He has c ncei!e&8-6BA Hence in the % ll #in/ stan4a the s .l sa+s s methin/ % the %$.iti n #hich it shall ha!e in the "eati%ic !isi n' e50lainin/ s %a$ as it is 0 ssi"le the nat.$e an& the manne$ % it1
6B* Ps1 6B?*B 6B6 Ps1 6A?G 6B: Ps1 *B?: 6BA J " :?*
STANZA XXXIX
A #he breathing of the air, #he song of the sweet nightingale, #he grove and its beauty In the serene night, With the flame that onsumes, and gives no "ain. THE s .l $e%e$s he$e' .n&e$ %i!e &i%%e$ent e50$essi ns' t that #hich the B$i&e/$ m is t /i!e it in the "eati%ic t$ans% $mati n1 11 The as0i$ati n % the H l+ S0i$it % G & a%te$ it' an& its #n as0i$ati n a%te$ G &1 *1 J + .s 0$aise % G & in the %$.iti n % Him1 61 The (n #le&/e % c$eat.$es an& the $&e$ % them1 :1 The 0.$e an& clea$ c ntem0lati n % the &i!ine essence1 A1 Pe$%ect t$ans% $mati n in the in%inite l !e % G &1 8#he breathing of the air.9 *1 This is a ce$tain %ac.lt+ #hich G & #ill the$e /i!e the s .l in the c mm.nicati n % the H l+ S0i$it' )h ' li(e ne "$eathin/' $aises the s .l "+ His &i!ine as0i$ati n' in% $ms it' st$en/thens it' s that it t ma+ "$eathe in G & #ith the same as0i$ati n % l !e #hich the Fathe$ "$eathes #ith the S n' an& the S n #ith the Fathe$' #hich is the H l+ S0i$it Himsel%' )h is "$eathe& int the s .l in the Fathe$ an& the S n in that t$ans% $mati n s as t .nite it t Himsel%9 % $ the t$ans% $mati n #ill n t "e t$.e an& 0e$%ect i% the s .l is n t t$ans% $me& in the Th$ee Pe$s ns % the M st H l+ T$init+ in a clea$ mani%est &e/$ee1 This "$eathin/ % the H l+ S0i$it in the s .l' #he$e"+ G & t$ans% $ms it in Himsel%' is t the s .l a C + s &ee0' s e57.isite' an& s /$an& that n m $tal t n/.e can &esc$i"e it' n h.man .n&e$stan&in/' as s.ch' c ncei!e it in an+ &e/$ee9 % $ e!en that #hich 0asses in the s .l #ith $es0ect t the c mm.nicati n #hich ta(es 0lace in its t$ans% $mati n #$ ./ht in this li%e cann t "e &esc$i"e&' "eca.se the s .l .nite& #ith G & an& t$ans% $me& in Him "$eathes in G & that !e$+ &i!ine as0i$ati n #hich G & "$eathes Himsel% in the s .l #hen it is t$ans% $me& in Him1 61 In the t$ans% $mati n #hich ta(es 0lace in this li%e' this "$eathin/ % G & in the s .l' an& % the s .l in G &' is % m st %$e7.ent cc.$$ence' an& the s .$ce % the m st e57.isite &eli/ht % l !e t the s .l' ".t n t h #e!e$ in the clea$ an& mani%est &e/$ee #hich it #ill ha!e in the li%e t c me1 This' in m+ 0ini n' is #hat St1 Pa.l $e%e$$e& t #hen he sai&? ,Beca.se + . a$e s ns' G & has sent the S0i$it % His S n int + .$ hea$ts' c$+in/ A""a' Fathe$1-6B@ The "lesse& in the li%e t c me' an& the 0e$%ect in this' th.s e50e$ience it1 :1 N $ is it t "e th ./ht 0 ssi"le that the s .l sh .l& "e ca0a"le % s /$eat a thin/ as that it sh .l& "$eathe in G & as G & in it' in the #a+ % 0a$tici0ati n1 F $ /$antin/ that G & has "est #e& .0 n it s /$eat a %a! $ as t .nite it t the m st H l+ T$init+' #he$e"+ it "ec mes li(e G &' an& G & "+ 0a$tici0ati n' is it alt /ethe$ inc$e&i"le that it sh .l& e5e$cise the %ac.lties % its .n&e$stan&in/' 0e$% $m its acts % (n #le&/e an& % l !e' $' t s0ea( m $e acc.$atel+' sh .l& ha!e it all & ne in the H l+ T$init+ t /ethe$ #ith It' as the H l+ T$init+ itsel%8 This' h #e!e$' ta(es 0lace "+ c mm.nicati n an& 0a$tici0ati n' G & Himsel% e%%ectin/ it in the s .l' % $ this is ,t "e t$ans% $me& in the
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Th$ee Pe$s ns- in 0 #e$' #is& m' an& l !e' an& he$ein it is that the s .l "ec mes li(e G &' )h ' that it mi/ht c me t this' c$eate& it t His #n ima/e an& li(eness1 A A1 H # this can "e s cann t "e e50laine& in an+ the$ #a+ than "+ sh #in/ h # the S n % G & has $aise& .s t s hi/h a state' an& me$ite& % $ .s the ,0 #e$ t "e ma&e the s ns % G &1-6BD He 0$a+e& t the Fathe$' sa+in/? ,Fathe$' I #ill that #he$e I am the+ als #h m 2 . ha!e /i!en Me ma+ "e #ith Me' that the+ ma+ see M+ /l $+ #hich 2 . ha!e /i!en Me1-6B> That is' ,that the+ ma+ & "+ 0a$tici0ati n in Us #hat I & nat.$all+' namel+' "$eathe the H l+ S0i$it1- He sa+s als ? ,N t % $ them nl+ & I 0$a+' ".t % $ them als #h th$ ./h thei$ # $& shall "elie!e in Me9 that the+ all ma+ "e ne' as 2 .' Fathe$' in Me' an& I in 2 .' that the+ als ma+ "e ne in Us? that the # $l& ma+ "elie!e that 2 . ha!e sent Me1 An& the /l $+ #hich 2 . ha!e /i!en Me' I ha!e /i!en t them? that the+ ma+ "e ne as )e als a$e ne1 I in them an& 2 . in Me' that the+ ma+ "e ma&e 0e$%ect in ne' an& the # $l& ma+ (n # that 2 . ha!e sent Me' an& ha!e l !e& them as 2 . ha!e als l !e& Me'-6BG3that is' in "est #in/ .0 n them that l !e #hich He "est #s .0 n the S n' th ./h n t nat.$all+ as .0 n Him' ".t in the #a+ I s0ea( %' in the .ni n an& t$ans% $mati n % l !e1 @1 )e a$e n t t s.00 se %$ m this that .$ L $& 0$a+e& that the saints mi/ht "ec me ne in essence an& nat.$e' as the Fathe$ an& the S n a$e9 ".t that the+ mi/ht "ec me ne in the .ni n % l !e as the Fathe$ an& the S n a$e ne in the neness % l !e1 S .ls ha!e "+ 0a$tici0ati n that !e$+ G & #hich the S n has "+ nat.$e' an& a$e the$e% $e $eall+ / &s "+ 0a$tici0ati n li(e .nt G & an& % His s ciet+1 D1 St1 Pete$ s0ea(s % this as % ll #s? ,G$ace t + . an& 0eace "e acc m0lishe& in the (n #le&/e % G &' an& Ch$ist Jes.s .$ L $&9 as all thin/s % His &i!ine 0 #e$' #hich 0e$tain t li%e an& / &liness' a$e /i!en .s "+ the (n #le&/e % Him )h has calle& .s "+ His #n 0$ 0e$ /l $+ an& !i$t.e' "+ )h m He has /i!en .s m st /$eat an& 0$eci .s 0$ mises? that "+ these + . ma+ "e ma&e 0a$ta(e$s % the &i!ine nat.$e1- 61B Th.s %a$ St1 Pete$' #h clea$l+ teaches that the s .l #ill "e a 0a$ta(e$ % G & Himsel%' an& #ill & ' t /ethe$ #ith Him' the # $( % the M st H l+ T$init+' "eca.se % the s."stantial .ni n "et#een the s .l an& G &1 An& th ./h this .ni n is 0e$%ect nl+ in the li%e t c me' +et e!en in this' in the state % 0e$%ecti n' #hich the s .l is sai& n # t ha!e attaine&' s me antici0ati n % its s#eetness is /i!en it' in the #a+ I am s0ea(in/ %' th ./h in a manne$ #h ll+ ine%%a"le1 >1 O s .ls c$eate& % $ this an& calle& t this' #hat a$e + . & in/8 )hat a$e + .$ cc.0ati ns8 2 .$ aim is meanness' an& + .$ enC +ments mise$+1 Oh' #$etche& "lin&ness % the chil&$en % A&am' "lin& t s /$eat a li/ht' an& &ea% t s clea$ a ! ice9 + . & n t see that' #hile see(in/ a%te$ /$eatness an& /l $+' + . a$e mise$a"le an& c ntem0ti"le' i/n $ant' an& .n# $th+ % "lessin/s s /$eat1 I n # 0$ cee& t the sec n& e50$essi n #hich the s .l has ma&e .se % t &esc$i"e that #hich He /a!e it1 8#he song of the sweet nightingale.9 :A G1 O.t % this ,"$eathin/ % the ai$- c mes the s#eet ! ice % the Bel !e& a&&$essin/
6BD J hn 1?1* 6B> J hn 1D?*: 6BG J hn 1D?*BJ*6 61B * Pet1 1?*J:
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Himsel% t the s .l' in #hich the s .l sen&s % $th its #n s#eet s n/ % C + t Him1 B th a$e meant "+ the s n/ % the ni/htin/ale1 As the s n/ % the ni/htin/ale is hea$& in the s0$in/ % the +ea$' #hen the c l&' an& $ain' an& chan/es % #inte$ a$e 0ast' %illin/ the ea$ #ith mel &+' an& the min& #ith C +9 s ' in the t$.e inte$c .$se an& t$ans% $mati n % l !e' #hich ta(es 0lace in this li%e' the "$i&e' n # 0$ tecte& an& &eli!e$e& %$ m all t$ials an& chan/es % the # $l&' &etache&' an& %$ee %$ m the im0e$%ecti ns' s.%%e$in/s' an& &a$(ness " th % min& an& " &+' "ec mes c nsci .s % a ne# s0$in/ in li"e$t+' la$/eness' an& C + % s0i$it' in #hich she hea$s the s#eet ! ice % the B$i&e/$ m' )h is he$ s#eet ni/htin/ale' $ene#in/ an& $e%$eshin/ the !e$+ s."stance % he$ s .l' n # 0$e0a$e& % $ the C .$ne+ % e!e$lastin/ li%e1 1B1 That ! ice is s#eet t he$ ea$s' an& calls he$ s#eetl+' as it is #$itten? ,A$ise' ma(e haste' M+ l !e' M+ & !e' M+ "ea.ti%.l ne' an& c me1 F $ #inte$ is n # 0ast' the $ain is !e$ an& / ne1 The %l #e$s ha!e a00ea$e& in .$ lan&' the time % 0$.nin/ is c me? the ! ice % the t.$tle is hea$& in .$ lan&1- 611 )hen the "$i&e hea$s the ! ice % the B$i&e/$ m in he$ inm st s .l' she %eels that he$ t$ ."les a$e !e$ an& he$ 0$ s0e$it+ "e/.n1 In the $e%$eshin/ c m% $t an& s#eet sense % this ! ice she' t ' li(e the ni/htin/ale' sen&s % $th a ne# s n/ % $eC icin/ t G &' in .nis n #ith Him )h n # m !es he$ t & s 1 111 It is % $ this that the Bel !e& sin/s' that the "$i&e in .nis n #ith Him ma+ sin/ t G &9 this is the aim an& &esi$e % the B$i&e/$ m' that the s .l sh .l& sin/ #ith the s0i$it C + .sl+ t G &9 an& this is #hat He as(s % the "$i&e in the Canticle? ,A$ise' m+ l !e' m+ "ea.ti%.l ne' an& c me9 m+ & !e in the cle%ts % the $ c(' in the h ll # 0laces % the #all' sh # me + .$ %ace' let + .$ ! ice s .n& in m+ ea$s1-61* 1*1 The ea$s % G & si/ni%+ the &esi$e He has that the s .l sh .l& sin/ in 0e$%ect C +1 An& that this s n/ ma+ "e 0e$%ect' the B$i&e/$ m "i&s the s .l t sen& it % $th' an& t let it s .n& in the cle%ts % the $ c(' that is' in the t$ans% $mati n #hich is the %$.it % the m+ste$ies % Ch$ist' % #hich I s0 (e C.st n #1 616 An& "eca.se in this .ni n % the s .l #ith G &' the s .l sin/s t Him t /ethe$ #ith Him' in the #a+ I s0 (e % #hen I #as s0ea(in/ % l !e'61: the s n/ % 0$aise is m st 0e$%ect an& 0leasin/ t G &9 % $ the acts % the s .l' in the state % 0e$%ecti n' a$e m st 0e$%ect9 an& th.s the s n/ % its $eC icin/ is s#eet t G & as #ell as t itsel%1 161 ,2 .$ ! ice is s#eet'-61A sa+s the B$i&e/$ m' ,n t nl+ t + .' ".t als t Me' % $ as #e a$e ne' + .$ ! ice is als in .nis n an& ne #ith Mine1- This is the Canticle #hich the s .l sin/s in the t$ans% $mati n #hich ta(es 0lace in this li%e' a" .t #hich n e5a//e$ati n is 0 ssi"le1 B.t as this s n/ is n t s 0e$%ect as the ne# s n/ in the li%e % /l $+' the s .l' ha!in/ a % $etaste % that "+ #hat it %eels n ea$th' sha& #s % $th "+ the /$an&e.$ % this the ma/ni%icence % that in /l $+' #hich is "e+ n& all c m0a$is n n "le$' an& calls it t min& an& sa+s that #hat its 0 $ti n the$e #ill "e is the s n/ % the s#eet ni/htin/ale1 8#he grove and its beauty.9
611 Cant1 *?1BJ1* 61* Cant1 *?16'1: 616 Stan4a 555!ii1 sect1 A1 61: Stan4a 555!iii1 sect1 @1 61A Cant1 *?1:
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1:1 This is the thi$& thin/ #hich the B$i&e/$ m is t /i!e the s .l1 The /$ !e' "eca.se it c ntains man+ 0lants an& animals' si/ni%ies G & as the C$eat $ an& Gi!e$ % li%e t all c$eat.$es' #hich ha!e thei$ "ein/ an& $i/in %$ m Him' $e!eal Him an& ma(e Him (n #n as the C$eat $1 The "ea.t+ % the /$ !e' #hich the s .l 0$a+s % $' is n t nl+ the /$ace' #is& m' an& l !eliness #hich %l # %$ m G & !e$ all c$eate& thin/s' #hethe$ in hea!en $ n ea$th' ".t als the "ea.t+ % the m.t.al ha$m n+ an& #ise a$$an/ement % the in%e$i $ c$eati n' an& the hi/he$ als ' an& % the m.t.al $elati ns % " th1 The (n #le&/e % this /i!es the s .l /$eat C + an& &eli/ht1 The % .$th $e7.est is? 8In the serene night.9 1A1 That is' c ntem0lati n' in #hich the s .l &esi$es t "eh l& the /$ !e1 It is calle& ni/ht' "eca.se c ntem0lati n is &im9 an& that is the $eas n #h+ it is als calle& m+stical the l /+3that is' the sec$et $ hi&&en #is& m % G &' #he$e' #ith .t the s .n& % # $&s' $ the inte$!enti n % an+ " &il+ $ s0i$it.al sense' as it #e$e in silence an& in $e0 se' in the &a$(ness % sense an& nat.$e' G & teaches the s .l3an& the s .l (n #s n t h #3in a m st sec$et an& hi&&en #a+1 1@1 S me s0i$it.al #$ite$s call this ,.n&e$stan&in/ #ith .t .n&e$stan&in/'- "eca.se it & es n t ta(e 0lace in #hat 0hil s 0he$s call the acti!e .n&e$stan&in/ #hich is c n!e$sant #ith the % $ms' %ancies' an& a00$ehensi ns % the 0h+sical %ac.lties' ".t in the .n&e$stan&in/ as it is 0 ssi"le an& 0assi!e' #hich #ith .t $ecei!in/ s.ch % $ms $ecei!es 0assi!el+ nl+ the s."stantial (n #le&/e % them %$ee %$ m all ima/e$+1 This cc.$s #ith .t e%% $t $ e5e$ti n n its 0a$t' an& % $ this $eas n c ntem0lati n is calle& ni/ht' in #hich the s .l th$ ./h the channel % its t$ans% $mati n lea$ns in this li%e that it al$ea&+ 0 ssesses' in a s.0$eme &e/$ee' this &i!ine /$ !e' t /ethe$ #ith its "ea.t+1 1D1 Still' h #e!e$ clea$ ma+ "e its (n #le&/e' it is &a$( ni/ht in c m0a$is n #ith that % the "lesse&' % $ #hich the s .l 0$a+s1 Hence' #hile it 0$a+s % $ the clea$ c ntem0lati n' that is' the %$.iti n % the /$ !e' an& its "ea.t+9 #ith the the$ "Cects he$e en.me$ate&' it sa+s' let it "e in the ni/ht n # se$ene9 that is' in the clea$ "eati%ic c ntem0lati n? let the ni/ht % &im c ntem0lati n cease he$e "el #' an& chan/e int the clea$ c ntem0lati n % the se$ene !isi n % G & a" !e1 Th.s the se$ene ni/ht is the clea$ an& .ncl .&e& c ntem0lati n % the %ace % G &1 It #as t this ni/ht % c ntem0lati n that Da!i& $e%e$$e& #hen he sai&' ,Ni/ht shall "e m+ li/ht in m+ 0leas.$es-9 61@ that is' #hen I shall ha!e m+ &eli/ht in the essential !isi n % G &' the ni/ht % c ntem0lati n #ill ha!e &a#ne& in the &a+ an& li/ht % m+ .n&e$stan&in/1 8With the flame that onsumes, and gives no "ain.9 1>1 This %lame is the l !e % the H l+ S0i$it1 ,C ns.mes- means a"s l.te 0e$%ecti n1 The$e% $e' #hen the s .l sa+s that the Bel !e& #ill /i!e it all that is menti ne& in this stan4a' an& that the+ #ill "e its 0 ssessi n in l !e a"s l.te an& 0e$%ect' all % them an& itsel% #ith them in 0e$%ect l !e' an& that #ith .t 0ain' its 0.$0 se is t sh # % $th the .tte$ 0e$%ecti n % l !e1 L !e' t "e 0e$%ect' m.st ha!e these t# 0$ 0e$ties? it m.st c ns.me an& t$ans% $m the s .l in G &9 the ".$nin/ an& t$ans% $mati n #$ ./ht in the s .l "+ the %lame m.st /i!e n 0ain1 B.t this can "e nl+ in the state % the "lesse&' #he$e the %lame is s#eet l !e' % $ in this t$ans% $mati n % the s .l the$ein the$e is a
61@ Ps1 16>?11
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"lesse& a/$eement an& c ntentment n " th si&es' an& n chan/e t a /$eate$ $ less &e/$ee /i!es 0ain' as "e% $e' #hen the s .l ha& attaine& t the state % 0e$%ect l !e1 A 1G1 B.t the s .l ha!in/ attaine& t this state a"i&es in its l !e % G &' a l !e s li(e His an& s s#eet' G & "ein/' as M ses sa+s' 61D a c ns.min/ %i$e3,the L $& + .$ G & is a c ns.min/ %i$e-3that it 0e$%ects an& $ene#s it1 B.t this t$ans% $mati n is n t li(e that #hich is #$ ./ht in this li%e' #hich th ./h m st 0e$%ect an& in l !e c ns.mmate #as still in s me meas.$e c ns.min/ the s .l an& #ea$in/ it a#a+1 It #as li(e %i$e in ".$nin/ c als' % $ th ./h the c als ma+ "e t$ans% $me& int %i$e' an& ma&e li(e it' an& cease& %$ m seethin/' an& sm (e n l n/e$ a$ises %$ m them as "e% $e the+ #e$e #h ll+ t$ans% $me& int %i$e' still' th ./h the+ ha!e "ec me 0e$%ect %i$e' the %i$e c ns.mes them an& $e&.ces them t ashes1 *B1 S is it #ith the s .l #hich in this li%e is t$ans% $me& "+ 0e$%ect l !e? % $ th ./h it is #h ll+ c n% $me&' +et it still s.%%e$s' in s me meas.$e' " th 0ain an& l ss1 Pain' n acc .nt % the "eati%ic t$ans% $mati n #hich is still #antin/9 l ss' th$ ./h the #ea(ness an& c $$.0ti n % the %lesh c min/ in c ntact #ith l !e s st$ n/ an& s &ee09 % $ e!e$+thin/ that is /$an& h.$ts an& 0ains .$ nat.$al in%i$mit+' as it is #$itten' ,The c $$.0ti"le " &+ is a l a& .0 n the s .l1-61> B.t in the li%e % "liss the$e #ill "e neithe$ l ss n $ 0ain' th ./h the sense % the s .l #ill "e m st ac.te' an& its l !e #ith .t meas.$e' % $ G & #ill /i!e 0 #e$ t the % $me$ an& st$en/th t the latte$' 0e$%ectin/ the .n&e$stan&in/ in His #is& m an& the #ill in His l !e1 *11 As' in the % $e/ in/ stan4as' an& in the ne #hich % ll #s' the "$i&e 0$a+s % $ the " .n&less (n #le&/e % G &' % $ #hich she $e7.i$es the st$ n/est an& the &ee0est l !e that she ma+ l !e Him in 0$ 0 $ti n t the /$an&e.$ % His c mm.nicati ns' she 0$a+s n # that all these thin/s ma+ "e "est #e& .0 n he$ in l !e c ns.mmate&' 0e$%ect' an& st$ n/1
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61D De.t1 :?*: 61> )is&1 G?1A
STANZA XL
+one saw it! +either did Aminadab a""ear #he siege was intermitted, And the avalry dismounted At the sight of the waters. THE "$i&e 0e$cei!in/ that the &esi$e % he$ #ill is n # &etache& %$ m all thin/s' clea!in/ t G & #ith m st %e$!ent l !e9 that the sens.al 0a$t % the s .l' #ith all its 0 #e$s' %ac.lties' an& &esi$es' is n # c n% $me& t the s0i$it9 that all $e"elli n is 7.elle& % $e!e$9 that Satan is !e$c me an& &$i!en %a$ a#a+ in the !a$ie& c ntest % the s0i$it.al st$.//le9 that he$ s .l is .nite& an& t$ans% $me& in the $ich a".n&ance % the hea!enl+ /i%ts9 an& that she he$sel% is n # 0$e0a$e&' st$ n/ an& a00a$elle&' ,leanin/ .0 n he$ Bel !e&'- t / .0 ,"+ the &ese$t- 61G % &eath9 %.ll % C + t the /l $i .s th$ ne % he$ es0 .sals'3she is l n/in/ % $ the en&' an& 0.ts "e% $e the e+es % he$ B$i&e/$ m' in $&e$ t in%l.ence Him the m $e' all that is menti ne& in the 0$esent stan4a' these %i!e c nsi&e$ati ns? *1 The %i$st is that the s .l is &etache& %$ m all thin/s an& a st$an/e$ t them1 The sec n& is that the &e!il is !e$c me an& 0.t t %li/ht1 The thi$& is that the 0assi ns a$e s."&.e&' an& the nat.$al &esi$es m $ti%ie&1 The % .$th an& the %i%th a$e that the sens.al an& l #e$ nat.$e % the s .l is chan/e& an& 0.$i%ie&' an& s c n% $me& t the s0i$it.al' as n t nl+ n t t hin&e$ s0i$it.al "lessin/s' ".t is' n the c nt$a$+' 0$e0a$e& % $ them' % $ it is e!en a 0a$ta(e$ al$ea&+' acc $&in/ t its ca0acit+' % th se #hich ha!e "een "est #e& .0 n it1 8+one saw it.9 6B 61 That is' m+ s .l is s &etache&' s &en.&e&' s l nel+' s est$an/e& %$ m all c$eate& thin/s' in hea!en an& ea$th9 it has "ec me s $ec llecte& in 2 .' that n thin/ #hate!e$ can c me #ithin si/ht % that m st intimate C + #hich I ha!e in 2 .1 That is' the$e is n thin/ #hate!e$ that can ca.se me 0leas.$e #ith its s#eetness' $ &is/.st #ith its !ileness9 % $ m+ s .l is s %a$ $em !e& %$ m all s.ch thin/s' a"s $"e& in s.ch 0$ % .n& &eli/ht in 2 .' that n thin/ can "eh l& me1 This is n t all' % $? 8+either did Aminadab a""ear.9 :B :1 Amina&a"' in the H l+ )$itin/s' si/ni%ies the &e!il9 that is the enem+ % the s .l' in a s0i$it.al sense' #h is e!e$ %i/htin/ a/ainst it' an& &ist.$"in/ it #ith his inn.me$a"le a$tille$+' that it ma+ n t ente$ int the % $t$ess an& sec$et 0lace % inte$i $ $ec llecti n #ith the B$i&e/$ m1 The$e' the s .l is s 0$ tecte&' s st$ n/' s t$i.m0hant in !i$t.e #hich it then 0$actices' s &e%en&e& "+ G &Ls $i/ht han&' that the &e!il n t nl+ &a$es n t a00$ ach it' ".t $.ns a#a+ %$ m it in /$eat %ea$' an& & es n t !ent.$e t a00ea$1 The 0$actice % !i$t.e' an& the state % 0e$%ecti n t #hich the s .l has c me' is a !ict $+ !e$ Satan' an& ca.ses him s.ch te$$ $ that he cann t 0$esent himsel% "e% $e it1 Th.s Amina&a" &i& n t a00ea$ #ith an+ $i/ht t (ee0 the s .l a#a+ %$ m the "Cect % its &esi$e1
61G Cant1 6?@9 >?A
1B
1A
*B
*A
6A
:A
8#he siege was intermitted.9 A A1 B+ the sie/e is meant the 0assi ns an& &esi$es' #hich' #hen n t !e$c me an& m $ti%ie&' s.$$ .n& the s .l an& %i/ht a/ainst it n all si&es1 Hence the te$m ,sie/e- is a00lie& t them1 This sie/e is ,inte$mitte&-3that is' the 0assi ns a$e s."Cect t $eas n an& the &esi$es m $ti%ie&1 Un&e$ these ci$c.mstances the s .l ent$eats the Bel !e& t c mm.nicate t it th se /$aces % $ #hich it has 0$a+e&' % $ n # the sie/e is n hin&$ance1 Until the % .$ 0assi ns % the s .l a$e $&e$e& in $eas n acc $&in/ t G &' an& .ntil the &esi$es a$e m $ti%ie& an& 0.$i%ie&' the s .l is inca0a"le % seein/ G &1 8#he avalry dismounted at the sight of the waters.9 1A @1 The #ate$s a$e the s0i$it.al C +s an& "lessin/s #hich the s .l n # enC +s inte$i $l+ #ith G &1 The ca!al$+ is the " &il+ senses % the sens.al 0a$t' inte$i $ as #ell as e5te$i $' % $ the+ ca$$+ #ith them the 0hantasms an& %i/.$es % thei$ "Cects1 The+ &ism .nt n # at the si/ht % the #ate$s' "eca.se the sens.al an& l #e$ 0a$t % the s .l in the state % s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e is 0.$i%ie&' an& in a ce$tain #a+ s0i$it.ali4e&' s that the s .l #ith its 0 #e$s % sense an& nat.$al % $ces "ec mes s $ec llecte& as t 0a$tici0ate an& $eC ice' in thei$ #a+' in the s0i$it.al /$an&e.$s #hich G & c mm.nicates t it in the s0i$it #ithin1 T this the Psalmist $e%e$$e& #hen he sai&' ,M+ hea$t an& m+ %lesh ha!e $eC ice& in the li!in/ G &1-6*B D1 It is t "e "se$!e& that the ca!al$+ &i& n t &ism .nt t taste % the #ate$s' ".t nl+ at the si/ht % them' "eca.se the sens.al 0a$t % the s .l' #ith its 0 #e$s' is inca0a"le % tastin/ s."stantiall+ an& 0$ 0e$l+ the s0i$it.al "lessin/s' n t me$el+ in this li%e' ".t als in the li%e t c me1 Still' "eca.se % a ce$tain !e$%l #in/ % the s0i$it' the+ a$e sensi"l+ $e%$eshe& an& &eli/hte&' an& this &eli/ht att$acts them3that is' the senses #ith thei$ " &il+ 0 #e$s3t #a$&s that inte$i $ $ec llecti n #he$e the s .l is &$in(in/ the #ate$s % the s0i$it.al "ene&icti ns1 This c n&iti n % the senses is $athe$ a &ism .ntin/ at the si/ht % the #ate$s than a &ism .ntin/ % $ the 0.$0 se % seein/ $ tastin/ them1 The s .l sa+s % them that the+ &ism .nte&' n t that the+ #ent' $ &i& an+thin/ else' an& the meanin/ is that in the c mm.nicati n % the sens.al #ith the s0i$it.al 0a$t % the s .l' #hen the s0i$it.al #ate$s "ec me its &$in(' the nat.$al 0e$ati ns s."si&e an& me$/e int s0i$it.al $ec llecti n1 >1 All these 0e$%ecti ns an& &is0 siti ns % the s .l the "$i&e sets % $th "e% $e he$ Bel !e&' the S n % G &' l n/in/ at the same time t "e t$anslate& "+ Him .t % the s0i$it.al ma$$ia/e' t #hich G & has "een 0lease& t a&!ance he$ in the Ch.$ch militant' t the /l $i .s ma$$ia/e % the Ch.$ch t$i.m0hant1 T that en& ma+ He "$in/ % His me$c+ all th se #h call .0 n the m st s#eet name % Jes.s' the B$i&e/$ m % %aith%.l s .ls' t )h m "e all h n $ an& /l $+' t /ethe$ #ith the Fathe$ an& the H l+ S0i$it' IN SQCULA SQCULORUM1 :A
1B
*B
*A
6B
6A
:B
6*B Ps1 >6?6

Giovanni Della Croce A Spiritual Canticle

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Giovanni Della Croce A Spiritual Canticle

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JOHN OF THE CROSS

A SPIRITUAL CANTICLE OF THE SOUL AND THE BRIDEGROOM CHRIST

*6 P$ !1 :?*6 *: Isa1 :A?6 *A 1 C $1 16?1B *@ E5 &1 66?**'*6 *D Sect1 :1

@1 Gal1 A?1D @* R m1 >?16

@A O$& c mmen&ati nis animae1

@D Gen1 1?61 @> J hn 1*?6* @G Ps1 1::?1@

D> J hn *B?1A DG Cant1 @?@'D

116 Ps1 G@?*'6 11: Ps1 1D?1*'16 11A Ps1 16>?1*

1*1 Sect1 11 1** 1 C $1 16?* 1*6 C l1 6?1:

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1A1 Ps1 66?>

als a&&s' ,An& let n

ne a00ea$ n the hill1-

1@* Ba$1 6?1B'11 1@6 Je$1 *?1:'1A

STANZAS XX, XXI

1D> Cant1 6?A 1DG L.(e 1A?A'>'G 1>B Cant1 6?11

1>A Cant1 >?1 1>@ Cant1 *?11'1*

1>G E4e(1 1@?AJ1: 1GB Cant1 *?1 1G1 Ps1 :G?11

1GD Cant1 6?D'> 1G> Cant1 :?:

**B Cant1 D?1BJ1*

*66 Cant1 @?*

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61D De.t1 :?*: 61> )is&1 G?1A

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6 P$ !1 :?6 : Isa1 :A?6 A 1 C $1 16?1B *@ E5 &1 66?**'6 D Sect1 :1

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