Handout #163

John of the Cross (1542-1591 A.D.)

John of the Cross composed this poem at Toledo in the darkness of the dungeon in which the opponents of the reform of Carmel had imprisoned him. The theme of the night often returns in John. It symbolizes faith, the way of encounter with God. 

How well I know the fount that freely flows Although tis night. The eternal fount its source has never showed, But well I know wherein is its -abode, Although its night. Its origin I know not - it has none: All other origins are here begun, Although its night. I know that naught beside can be so fair, That heaven and earth drink deep refreshment there. Although its night. Well know I that its depths can no man plumb, Nor, fording it, across it hope to come, Although its night. Never was found so clear, undimmed  and bright: From it alone, I know, proceeds all light, Although its night. Rich are its streams and full - this know I well They water nations, heavens and depths of hell, Although its night. Yea, more I know: the stream that hence proceeds, Omnipotent, suffices for all needs, Although its night. From fount and stream another stream forth flows And this, I know, in nothing yields to those, Although its night. The eternal fount is hidden in living bread, That we with life eternal maybe fed Although its night. Called to this living fount, we creatures still Darkly may feed hereon and take our fill, Although its night. This living fount which is so dear to me Is in the bread of life, which now I see, Although its night. Complete Works of Saint John of the Cross, ed. E. Allison Peers, Vol.II, Burns and Oates 1935, 431 f 

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