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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


MARY'S GIRLHOOD (FOR A PICTURE): 2 by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI

Poet Analysis

First Line: THESE ARE THE SYMBOLS. ON THAT CLOTH OF RED
Last Line: SHALL SOON VOUCHSAFE HIS SON TO BE HER SON.
Subject(s): MARY. MOTHER OF JESUS; PAINTINGS AND PAINTERS; WOMEN - BIBLE; VIRGIN MARY;

These are the symbols. On that cloth of red
I' the centre is the Tripoint: perfect each,
Except the second of its points, to teach
That Christ is not yet born. The books--whose head
Is golden Charity, as Paul hath said--
Those virtues are wherein the soul is rich:
Therefore on them the lily standeth, which
Is Innocence, being interpreted.

The seven-thorn'd briar and the palm seven-leaved
Are her great sorrow and her great reward.
Until the end be full, the Holy One
Abides without. She soon shall have achieved
Her perfect purity: yea, God the Lord
Shall soon vouchsafe His Son to be her Son.



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