20                    The Thomas S. Jones Collection

then came the realization of 'In Excelsis,' the writing of it, and the
public declaration of it; I had come to the realization of the In¬
carnation by the way of beauty, nature, people, friends, poets,
and then the Greatest One of All. From that date I feel I have
never been a free person."

The last stanza of "In Excelsis," the climactic poem of Jones's
life, illustrates his ultimate dedication:

Waiting, I turn to Thee,

Expectant, humble, and on bended knee;

Youth's radiant fire

Only to burn at Thy unknown desire—

For this alone has Song been granted me.

Upon Thy altar burn me at Thy will;

All wonders fill

My cup, and it is Thine;

Life's precious wine

For this alone: for Thee.

Yet never can be paid

The debt long laid

Upon my heart, because my lips did press

In youth's glad Spring the Cup of Loveliness!