To The Unknown God Poem by Antero Tarquinio de Quental

What mortal beauty could a man behold
Like you, dream-vision of my soul in flame,
Reflecting your great brilliance thru my frame,
A sunburst mirrored in a sea of gold?

The world is wide, but yearning makes me bold
To search its wideness: faithful, poor and tame
I seek the God of kindness just the same,
But find only his altar… bare and old…

That which I worship in you cannot sleep.
What are you then? A downward glance of ruth,
A drop of honey at a poisoned feast,
Essence distilled from all the tears I weep

And vision of my dreams! If you're the truth,
Reveal yourself to me in heaven at least!