THE BRIDES OF CHRIST.
IV.
ST. CATHERINE.
“Whom I shall wed,” said Alexandria’s princess, “rare
Of beauty must be, past imagining;
So great I shall not think I have made him king;
More rich, sweet-hearted more, than summer air!”
In dreams she came where courts such state declare
Of Mother and Son enthroned, that worshipping
She knelt, though royal: the Child placed a ring
Upon her finger, and she woke—’twas there!
So Catherine became Christ’s. Again she kneels:
With rose and lily, in white and purple clothed,
No shining host now hails the heaven-betrothed,
But God’s bolt shatters the sharp torture-wheels.
Then Night and angels her pall-bearers are—
The Bridegroom waits on Sinai lone and far.
V.
ST. MARGARET.
Of all the virgins pure that bear the palm,
There is not any one more meek and mild
Than sweet maid Margaret. Tending while a child
The flocks, she drew near, in the mountain’s calm,
To the Good Shepherd, like a trustful lamb;
She felt that God with man was reconciled;
She saw diurnal victory undefiled
Of light o’er darkness hoist the oriflamme.
Of Morning. So flashed she, in dungeon drear,
The Cross uplifted, till the Dragon foul
Crouched at her feet, in fear of that white soul.
O Pearl of Antioch, so soft and clear!
O Daisy, with the chaste dew on thy lips!
Thou touchest Christ with stainless finger-tips.
VI.
ST. BARBARA.
Dioscorus of Heliopolis
Shut his wise daughter in a lofty tower,
Jealous of lovers; therein, for her bower,
She caused three windows to be made, in this
Her father disobeying, but said: “It is
Through three clear windows that the Almighty Power,
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, shower
Light on the soul—with light immortal bliss!”
Scourged, by the gold hair dragged, slain by thy sire—
A turbaned heathen!—soft as rosy May,
Yet resolute, and avenged by instant fire,
Christian Bellona! sweet-browed Barbara!
With the Red Mantle of thy fortitude,
Thy Tower and Cannon, be my soul endued!