Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/500

 And was so eager to embrace The joyful tidings as they came, 'Twould almost leave its dwelling-place To entertain that same.

As if the tidings were the things, My very joys themselves, my foreign treasure— Or else did bear them on their wings— With so much joy they came, with so much pleasure. My Soul stood at that gate To recreate Itself with bliss, and to   Be pleased with speed. A fuller view It fain would take, Yet journeys back would make Unto my heart; as if 'twould fain Go out to meet, yet stay within To fit a place to entertain And bring the tidings in.

What sacred instinct did inspire My soul in childhood with a hope so strong? What secret force moved my desire To expect my joys beyond the seas, so young? Felicity I knew Was out of view, And being here alone, I saw that happiness was gone From me! For this I thirsted absent bliss, And thought that sure beyond the seas, Or else in something near at hand— I knew not yet—since naught did please I knew—my Bliss did stand.