She stood -- a hill-ensceptred Queen, The glory streaming from her; While Heaven flashed her rays between, And shed eternal summer. The gates of morning opened wide On sunny dome and steeple; Noon gleamed upon the mountain-side Thronged with a happy people; And twilight's drowsy, half closed eyes Beheld that virgin splendour Whose orbs were as her darkening skies, And as her spirit, tender. Girt with that strength, first-born of right, Held fast by deeds of honour, Her robe she wove with rays more bright Than Heaven could rain upon her. Where is that light -- that citadel? That robe with woof of glory? She lost her virtue and she fell, And only left her story. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ANDROMEDA by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS KATIE LEE AND WILLIE GREY by JOSIE R. HUNT LETTY'S GLOBE by CHARLES TENNYSON TURNER A HINT FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE THIRD SATIRE OF JUVENAL by PHILIP AYRES GLOW OF DAWN by ELIDA PATTISON BENTLEY DEATHLESS LOVE by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE |