DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI

Alas, and though the end were reach'd ? . ,

Was thy part understood Or borne in trust? And for her sake

Shall this too be found good? May the close lips that knew not prayer

Praise ever, though they would ?)

4 We two,' she said, 'will seek the groves

Where the lady Mary is, With her five handmaidens, whose names

Are five sweet symphonies : Cecily, Gertrude, Magdalen,

Margaret and Rosalys.

• Circle-wise sit they, with bound locks

And bosoms covered ; Into the fine cloth, white like flame,

Weaving the golden thread, To fashion the birth-robes for them

Who are just born, being dead.

' He shall fear, haply, and be dumb.

Then I will lay my cheek To his, and tell about our love,

Not once abash'd or weak : And the dear Mother will approve

My pride, and let me speak.

1 Herself shall bring us, hand in hand, To Him round whom all souls

Kneel the unnumber'd solemn heads Bow'd with their aureoles :

And Angels, meeting us, shall sing To their citherns and citole,

�� �