Translated by A. Z. Foreman - The Prophet lyrics

I went with soul athirst for grace Amid a darkling desert land, And at a crossing of the ways Beheld a six-wing'd Seraph stand. With fingers light as dream at night He brushed mine eyes and they grew bright Opening unto prophecies Wild as a startled eaglet's eyes. He touched and filled my mortal ears With all the sounding of the spheres: I heard the shudders of the sky, The sweep of angel hosts on high, The creep of beasts below in the seas, The seep of sap in valley trees. And leaning to my lips he wrung Thereout my slithering sinful tongue Of guile and idle caviling; And with his right hand bloodied wet In through my wasting lips he set A Serpent's wise and forkèd sting. And with his sword he cleft my chest, And reft my quaking heart out whole, And thrust inside my sundered breast A blazing shard of living coal. There in the desert I lay dead Until the voice from heaven said: "Arise O Prophet! Work My will, Thou that hast now perceived and heard. On land and sea thy charge fulfill And burn Man's heart with this My Word."