Deep on the convent roof the snows

1 Deep on the convent roof the snows
Are sparkling to the moon;
My breath to heaven like vapor goes:
May my soul follow soon!
The shadows of the convent towers
Float down the snowy sward,
Still creeping with the creeping hours
That lead me to my Lord:
Make Thou my spirit pure and clear
As are the frosty skies
Or this first snowdrop of the year
That in my bosom lies.

2 As these white robes are soil'd and dark,
To yonder shining ground;
As this pale taper's earthly spark,
To yonder argent round;
So shows my soul before the Lamb
My spirit before Thee;
So in my earthly house I am
To that I hope to be.
Break up the heavens, O Lord! and far
Through all yon star-light keen
Draw me thy bride a glittering star,
In raiment white and clean.

3 He lifts me to the golden doors;
The flashes come and go!
All heaven bursts her starry floors,
And strews her lights below;
And deepens on and up! the gates
Roll back, and far within
For me the heavenly Bridegroom waits
To make me pure of sin.
The Sabbaths of eternity
One Sabbath deep and wide—
A light upon the shining sea—
The Bridegroom with his bride!

Source: Lyra Catholica: containing all the hymns of the Roman breviary and missal, with others from various sources. Arranged for every day in the week, and the festivals and saints' days... #526