Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/932

 WILLIAM PHILPOT

1823-1889

757. Maritæ Suæ

I

Of all the flowers rising now, Thou only saw'st the head Of that unopen'd drop of snow I placed beside thy bed.

In all the blooms that blow so fast, Thou hast no further part, Save those the hour I saw thee last, I laid above thy heart.

Two snowdrops for our boy and girl, A primrose blown for me, Wreathed with one often-play'd-with curl From each bright head for thee.

And so I graced thee for thy grave, And made these tokens fast With that old silver heart I gave, My first gift—and my last.

II

I dream'd, her babe upon her breast, Here she might lie and calmly rest Her happy eyes on that far hill That backs the landscape fresh and still.

I hoped her thoughts would thrid the boughs Where careless birds on love carouse, And gaze those apple-blossoms through To revel in the boundless blue.