The Ascent of Mount CarmelThe argument and the stanzas

The following stanzas are a summary of the doctrine contained in this book of the Ascent of Mount Carmel. They also describe how we are to ascend to the summit of it, that is, to the high state of perfection, called here union of the soul with God. I place all the stanzas together, because that which I have to say is founded upon them. Thus the whole substance of my book may be comprehended at once. I shall also transcribe each stanza again, and each line separately, as the nature of my work requires.

In a dark night,
With anxious love inflamed,
O, happy lot!
Forth unobserved I went,
My house being now at rest.
Il
In darkness and in safety,
By the secret ladder, disguised,
O, happy lot!
In darkness and concealment.
My house being now at rest.

Ui In that happy night, IV That light guided me Whom I knew well, v O, guiding night; vi Vil VIll

IV
vi

Vil VIll In secret, seen of none, Seeing nought myself, Without other light or guide Save that which in my heart was burning. More surely than the noonday sun To the place where He was waiting for me, And where none appeared. O, night more lovely than the dawn, O, night that hast united The lover with His beloved, . And changed her into her love. On my flowery bosom, Kept whole for Him alone, There He reposed and slept; And I caressed Him, and the waving Of the cedars fanned Him. As His hair floated in the breeze That blew from the turret, He struck me on the neck With His gentle hand, And all sensation left me. I continued in oblivion lost, My head was resting on my love; Lost to all things and myself, And, amid the lilies forgotten, Threw all my cares away.