Page:The roamer and other poems (1920).djvu/171

Rh XVII

the roseate mystery

Of maiden-bridals in the Bridegroom's arms,

That on celestial sighs spread forth their charms,

And in devotion yield virginity;

The amorous nun, richer in chastity,

The more love round her with his motions swarms

Dissolves, as if the rose her bosom warms

Only the spirit of the rose should be.

She gives herself unto her spiritual lord

In ecstasy that doth all flesh consume;

Her soul, incorporate in the Heavenly Word,

Already leaves her body in the tomb;

So sweetly, holily, have I been stirred,

Not uncompanioned in the vacant room.