Page:The Muse in Arms, Osborn (ed), 1917.djvu/226

 LXXVIII

HE deathless mother, grey and battle-scarred,

Lies in the sanctuary of stately trees,

Where the deep Northern night is saffron starred

Above her head, and thro' the dusk she sees

God's shadowy fortress keep unsleeping guard.

From her full breast we drank of joy and mirth

And gave to her a boy's unreasoned heart,

Wherein Time's fulness was to bring to birth

Such passionate allegiance that to part

Seemed like the passing of all light on earth.

Now on the threshold of a man's estate,

With a new depth of love akin to pain

I ask thy blessing, while I dedicate

My life and sword, with promise to maintain

Thine ancient honour yet inviolate.

Last night dream-hearted in the Abbey's spell

We stood to sing old Simeon's passing hymn,

When sudden splendour of the sunset fell

Full on my eyes, and passed and left all dim—

At once a summons and a deep farewell.

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