TWO FRAMES
In the gallery of remembrance
Down on Unforgotten Street
Hangs a picture of two lovers
After they the vows repeat;
Lovely—handsome—picture—lovers—
Golden-framed against the wall,
Love in rich and stately setting—
Revenue and manor-hall.
And beside it hangs another,
Limned again with lovers’ pose,
Just as lovely on the canvas
Till the golden in it glows;
But ’tis framed in white enamel
Whereon lilies intertwine—
Love in sweet and simple setting—
Virtue and a cottage-vine.
Love-in-woman stands before them
With reflected gold and grace
But with struggling decision
On her dew-and-flower face;
Eyes are drawn to frame of yellow,
Heart to canvas set in white:
Rich man, poor man? Love-in-woman
Chose and lilies turned to light.
PARS SUMMAE
I did not think that love was mine
Because I toiled;
But if I caught its every line
And not despoiled
More perfect love to grace my own,
Then might I feel
That I at love’s supremest throne
Could rightly kneel.
I veiled my face when glory shed
Its trembling light;
Nor would I lift my humbled head
Till I as white
Could show the pureness of a soul
That doth reveal
Love which before the sacred whole
Can rightly kneel.
My altar was her blessing-place
Whence she bestowed
The gifts divinely of her grace
On worship bowed;
For as my adoration rose
To love’s ideal
She lifted me as one of those
Who rightly kneel.