Page:Wessex poems and other verses (IA wessexpoemsother00hard).pdf/151

 I lay, and thought; and in a trance She came and stood me by— The same, even to the marvellous ray That used to light her eye.

"You draw me, and I come to you, My faithful one," she said, In voice that had the moving tone It bore in maidenhead.

She said: "'Tis seven years since I died: Few now remember me; My husband clasps another bride; My children mothers she.

"My brethren, sisters, and my friends Care not to meet my sprite: Who prized me most I did not know Till I passed down from sight."

I said: "My days are lonely here; I need thy smile alway; I'll use this night my ball or blade, And join thee ere the day."