Page:A lover's tale (Tennyson, 1879).djvu/74

70 With shrieks and ringing laughter on the sand Threw down the bier; the woods upon the hill Waved with a sudden gust that sweeping down Took the edges of the pall, and blew it far Until it hung, a little silver cloud Over the sounding seas: I turn'd: my heart Shrank in me, like a snow flake in the hand, Waiting to see the settled countenance Of her I loved, adorn' d with fading flowers. But she from out her death-like chrysalis. She from her bier, as into fresher life, My sister, and my cousin, and my love, Leapt lightly clad in bridal white—her hair Studded with one rich Provence rose—a light Of smiling welcome round her lips—her eyes And cheeks as bright as when she climb'd the hill. One hand she reach' d to those that came behind. And while I mused nor yet endured to take