And eke with painful fingers she inwove Many an uncouth stem of savage thorn"The willow garland, that was for her love, And these her bleeding temples would adorn." With sighs her heart nigh burst, salt tears fast fell, As mournfully she bended o'er that sacred well. To whom when I addrest myself to speak, She lifted up her eyes, and nothing said; Revolving in my mind what this should mean, "PSYCHE am I, who love to dwell In these brown shades, this woody dell, Till now, At thy feet what thou dost see Which, night and day, I must augment If haply so my day of grace Be not yet past; and this lone place, O'er-shadowy, dark, excludeth hence All thoughts but grief and penitence." "Why dost thou weep, thou gentle maid! "O! I have done a deed of shame, "And who the promised spouse? declare: And what those bridal garments were." "Severe and saintly righteousness Composed the clear white bridal dress; JESUS, the Son of Heaven's high King, Bought with his blood the marriage ring. A wretched sinful creature, I Deem'd lightly of that sacred tie, Gave to a treacherous WORLD my heart, And fit atonement fully paid, The Lord and Bridegroom me present, "Now Christ restore thee soon"-I said, And thenceforth all my dream was fled. DIALOGUE BETWEEN A MOTHER AND CHILD. CHILD. "O LADY, lay your costly robes aside, No longer may you glory in your pride." MOTHER. Wherefore to-day art singing in mine ear CHILD. O mother, lay your costly robes aside, MOTHER. I pray thee, pretty one, now hold thy tongue, Play with the bride-maids; and be glad, my boy, For thou shalt be a second father's joy. CHILD. One father fondled me upon his knee, One father is enough, alone, for me. QUEEN ORIANA'S DREAM. ON a bank with roses shaded, |