The Bride Elect Poem by John Bannister Tabb

When God created man,
Of destiny so dim,
And deigned His work to scan,
Behold, He pitied him;
Nay, more, for love of him began
A greater mystery to plan.


Within the sleeper's brain,
His waking hours to bless,
Was born-alas! in vain-
A dream of loveliness
That ne'er Omniscence had known
In light of shadeless heaven alone.


This vision of the night
The Image-Maker caught
And for his soul's delight,
A revelation wrought
Out of the dreamer's open side-
Flesh of his flesh-a virgin bride.