"No light had we: for that we do repent;
And learning this, the bridegroom will relent.
Too late, too late! Ye cannot enter now.
"No light; so late! and dark and chill the night!
O, let us in, that we may find the light!
Too late, too late! Ye cannot enter now.
"Have we not heard the bridegroom is so sweet?
O, let us in, though late, to kiss his feet!
No, no, too late! Ye cannot enter now."
So sang the novice, while full passionately,
Her head upon her hands, wept the sad Queen.
ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON.
* * * * *
UP HILL.
Does the road wind up hill all the way?
_Yes, to the very end._
Will the day's journey take the whole long day?
_From morn to night, my friend_.
But is there for the night a resting-place?
_A roof for when the slow dark hours begin._
May not the darkness hide it from my face?
_You cannot miss that inn_.
Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
_Those who have gone before._
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
_They will not keep you standing at that door_.
Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
_Of labor you shall find the sum._
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
_Yea, beds for all who come_.
CHRISTINA G. ROSSETTI.
* * * * *
PER PACEM AD LUCEM.
I do not ask, O Lord, that life may be
A pleasant road;
I do not ask that Thou wouldst take from me
Aught of its load;
I do not ask that flowers should always spring
Beneath my feet;
I know too well the poison and the sting
Of things too sweet.
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