Holy Fear

Pierce thou my flesh with thy fear, O my God.
Take from this soul what is wild and untame.
Gently lead me from the paths that I’ve trod.
Place in my heart a great awe for Thy Name.
I do not will to have mundane fear, or
What is called servile. Unworthy of Thee
Are these wicked and imperfect fears, for
Chaste fear leads me to Thee, but these to me.
Filial fear, from Paraclete descends,
Issuing first from Thee, Father of light.
Even thy Jhesu this fear comprehends,
Rev’rencing Thee in his soul, with all might.
     But ‘mongst mere creatures one knows chaste fear most.
     And that is the Spouse of the Holy Ghost.