The Nameless Quest in The Gate of the Sanctuary from The Temple of the Holy Ghost (Collected Works, Vol I) by Aleister Crowley.

“Then on my withered gaze that Beauty grew—
Rosy quintessence of alchemic dew!
The Self-informing Beauty! In my heart
the many were united: and I knew.” [via]

Consider also:

  1. “I lifted up my eyes. What soul stood there, Fronting my path? Tall, stately, delicate, A woman fairer than a pomegranate. A silver spear her hands of lotus bear, One shaft of moonlight quivering and straight. She pointed to the East with flashing eyes: ‘Thou canst not see her–but my Queen shall rise.’ Bowed head and beating heart, with feet unsure I passed her, trembling, for she was too pure. I could have loved her. No: she was too wise. Her presence was to gracious to endure. ‘She did not bid me go and chain me to her,’ I cried, comparing.”
  2. “Yet resolute I put my love away. It could not live in this amazing day. Love is the lotus that is sickly sweet, That makes men drunken, and betrays their feet”
  3. “I passed, confounded, lifeless as the clay, Somewhere I knew not. Many a dismal league Of various terror wove me its intrigue, And many a demon daunted: day by day Death dogged despair, and misery fatigue.”
  4. “He gladdened then. I would not slip again, And baulk the death of half its shame and pain. I, his best sword, must fall, in earnest fight. The old despair was coward–he was right. Now, king, I pay your debt. A purple stain Hides his laced throat–I sober at the sight.”
  5. “The overwhelming sweetness of a voice Filled me with Godhead. ‘Still remains the choice! Thou knowest me for Beauty! Canst thou bear The fuller vision, the abundant air?’ I only wept. The elements rejoice; No tear before had ever fallen there.”