Page:The poems of Edmund Clarence Stedman, 1908.djvu/329

THE BLAMELESS PRINCE Anon the coming of the Queen was told,

And mounted guards, with sable plumes at helm,

Made through the middle, like a reaper's swath,

A straight, wide roadway for the sovereign's path,

Then rose the murmurous sound of her advance,

And, with the crown-prince, and her other brood

Led close behind, she came. Her countenance

Moved not to right nor left, until she stood

Before the tomb; yet those, who took the breath

That clothed her progress, felt a waft of death.

O noble martyr! queenliest intent!

Strong human soul, that holds to pride through all!

Ah me! with what fierce heavings in them pent

The brave complete their work, whate'er befall!

Upon her front the people only read

Pale grief that clung forever to the dead.

How should they know she trod the royal stand,

And took within her hold the silken line,

As, while the headsman waits, one lays her hand

Upon the scarf that slays her by a sign?

With one great pang she drew the veil, and lo!

The work was dazzling in the noonday glow.

There shone the Prince's image, golden, high,

Installed forever in the people's sight.

But at the foot the Queen had bid them write

Her consort's goodness, and his glory-roll,

Yet knew not they had carved upon the scroll

That last assurance of his stainless heart,—

For such they deemed his words who heard them fall,—

Yet wedded Love to him was worth them all." 299