Page:Poems and ballads (IA poemsballads00swinrich).pdf/282

 And strength was bound between my brows, Spikenard was hidden in my ships, Honey and wheat and myrrh in strips, White wools that shine as colour does, Soft linen dyed upon the fold, Split spice and cores of scented gold, Cedar and broken calamus.

I am the queen Semiramis. The whole world and the sea that is In fashion like a chrysopras, The noise of all men labouring, The priest's mouth tired through thanksgiving, The sound of love in the blood's pause, The strength of love in the blood's beat, All these were cast beneath my feet And all found lesser than I was.

I am the queen Hesione. The seasons that increased in me Made my face fairer than all men's. I had the summer in my hair; And all the pale gold autumn air Was as the habit of my sense. My body was as fire that shone; God's beauty that makes all things one Was one among my handmaidens.