“A PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT”
He who a mangold-patch doth hoe, Sweating beneath a sturdy sun, Clearing each weed-disguisèd row Till day-light and the task be done,
Standeth to view his labour’s scene— Where now, within the hedge-row’s girth, The little plants untrammelled green Stripes the brown fabric of the earth.
So when the absolution’s said Behind the grille, and I may go, And all the flowers of sin are dead, And all the stems of sin laid low,
And I am come to Mary’s shrine To lay my hopes within her hand— Ah, in how fair and green a line The seedling resolutions stand.
HELENA TO HERMIA
(FOR WINIFRED MORGAN-BROWN)
Throw up the cinders, let the night wear through And all the dear accustomed things be said Ere up the sleepy stair-case I and you Take our warm ways to bed. Then let us loose our hands’ reluctant hold Lest the uneasy dawn behind dim groves Stir the still leaves and any hint of cold Blow on our loves.