Part 4 (2/2)

Stamped with your seal I'm safe where'er I go, Like one who carries charms or coat of mail Against all dangers that his life a.s.sail Nor fire nor water now may work me woe; Sight to the blind I can restore by you, Heal every wound, and every loss renew.

XX.

_THE GARLAND AND THE GIRDLE._

_Quanta si G.o.de, lieta._

What joy hath yon glad wreath of flowers that is Around her golden hair so deftly twined, Each blossom pressing forward from behind, As though to be the first her brows to kiss!

The livelong day her dress hath perfect bliss, That now reveals her breast, now seems to bind: And that fair woven net of gold refined Rests on her cheek and throat in happiness!

Yet still more blissful seems to me the band Gilt at the tips, so sweetly doth it ring And clasp the bosom that it serves to lace: Yea, and the belt to such as understand, Bound round her waist, saith: here I'd ever cling.-- What would my arms do in that girdle's place?

XXI.

_THE SILKWORM._

_D' altrui pietoso._

Kind to the world, but to itself unkind, A worm is born, that dying noiselessly Despoils itself to clothe fair limbs, and be In its true worth by death alone divined.

Oh, would that I might die, for her to find Raiment in my outworn mortality!

That, changing like the snake, I might be free To cast the slough wherein I dwell confined!

Nay, were it mine, that s.h.a.ggy fleece that stays, Woven and wrought into a vestment fair, Around her beauteous bosom in such bliss!

All through the day she'd clasp me! Would I were The shoes that bear her burden! When the ways Were wet with rain, her feet I then should kiss!

XXII.

_WAITING IN FAITH._

_Se nel volto per gli occhi_

If through the eyes the heart speaks clear and true, I have no stronger sureties than these eyes For my pure love. Prithee let them suffice, Lord of my soul, pity to gain from you.

More tenderly perchance than is my due, Your spirit sees into my heart, where rise The flames of holy wors.h.i.+p, nor denies The grace reserved for those who humbly sue.

Oh, blessed day when you at last are mine!

Let time stand still, and let noon's chariot stay; Fixed be that moment on the dial of heaven!

That I may clasp and keep, by grace divine, Clasp in these yearning arms and keep for aye My heart's loved lord to me desertless given!

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