“Let the Light Enter!” + 

Dying Words of Goethe + 

Light! more light! the shadows deepen, + 

And my life is ebbing low, + 

Throw the windows widely open! + 

Light! more light! before I go. + 

Softly let the balmy sunshine + 

Play around my dying bed, + 

E’er the dimly lighted valley + 

I with lonely feet shall tread. + 

Light! more light! for death is weaving + 

Shadows round my waning sight, + 

And I fain would gaze upon him + 

Through a stream of earthly light. + 

Not for greater gifts of genius, + 

Nor for thoughts more grandly bright, + 

All the dying poet whispers + 

Is a prayer for light, more light. + 

Heeds he not the gathered laurels, + 

Fading slowly from his sight; + 

All the poet’s aspirations + 

Centre in that prayer for light. + 

Blessed Jesus, when our day dreams + 

Melt and vanish from the sight, + 

May our dim and longing vision + 

Then be blessed with light, more light! + 