Alas, and though the end were reached?
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?)
XVIII.
"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.
XIX.
"Circle-wise sit they, with bound locks
And bosoms covered;
Into the fine cloths, white like flame,
Weaving the golden thread,
To fashion the birth-robes for them
Who are just born, being dead.
XX.
He shall fear haply, and be dumb.
Then will I lay my cheek
To his, and tell about our love,
Not once abashed or weak:
And the dear Mother will approve
My pride, and let me speak.