FRANCES BANNERMAN

But I knew where one so long had waited In the low room at the stairway's height,

Trembling lest my foot should be belated, Singing, sighing for the long hours* flight Towards the moment of our dear delight.

I came into the City when you haiPd me Saviour, and again your chosen Lord:

Not one guessing what it was that faiPd me, While along the way as they adored Thousands, thousands, shouted in accord.

But through all the joy I knew I only

How the hostel of my heart lay bare and cold,

Silent of its music, and how lonely !

Never, though you crown me with your gold, Shall I find that little chamber as of old !

ALICE MEYNELL

87$. Denouncement

I MUST not think of thee ; and, tired yet strong, I shun the love that lurks in all delight

The love of thee and in the blue heaven's height, And in the dearest passage of a song. Oh, just beyond the sweetest thoughts that throng

This breast, the thought of thee waits hidden yet bright ;

But it must never, never come in sight; I must stop short of thee the whole day long. But when sleep comes to close each difficult day,

When night gives pause to the long watch I keep, And all my bonds I needs must loose apart, Must dofF my will as raiment laid away,

With the first dream that comes with the first sleep I run, I run, I am gathered to thy heart.

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