Page:The Statues in the Block and Other Poems (1881).djvu/60

54 The goddess was there to assuage (for this was the Golden Age) The trials of all who staid and trustingly tried and prayed
 * For the perfect grace.

Soldier and clerk and dame in couples and companies came; There were few who rode alone, for none feared the other one,
 * So placid and safe the creed.

There came from afar one day, with a suite in rich array, A lady of beauty rare, who bent to the plaintive air
 * A handsome minstrel sung.

Her face was as calm and cold as the stamp of a queen on gold, And the song the poet sung to a restful theme was strung,
 * A tranquil air of peace.