Presence of God

For you cast them out of me, O true and supreme Loveliness, You cast them out of me and took their place in me, You who are sweeter than all pleasure, yet not to flesh and blood; brighter than all light, yet deeper within than any secret; loftier than all honour, but not to those who are lofty to themselves . . . And I talked with You as friends talk, my glory and my riches and my salvation, my Lord God.

Augustine, Confessions, 9 i. F J Sheed translation.