Now you are mine, to-night at last I say it;
You’re a dove I have bought
for sacrifice,
And
to-night I slay it.
Here in my arms my naked sacrifice!
Death, do you hear, in my
arms I am bringing
My offering, bought at great price.
She’s a silvery dove worth more than all I’ve
got.
Now I offer
her up to the ancient, inexorable God,
Who knows me
not.
Look, she’s a wonderful dove, without blemish or
spot!
I sacrifice
all in her, my last of the world,
Pride, strength, all the
lot.
All, all on the altar! And death swooping
down
Like a
falcon. ‘Tis God has taken the victim;
I have won my
renown.