Made through the middle, like a reaper’s swath,

A straight, wide roadway for the sovereign’s path.

Then rose the murmurous sound of her advance,

And, with the crown-prince, and her other brood

Led close behind, she came. Her countenance

Moved not to right nor left, until she stood

Before the tomb; yet those, who took the breath

That clothed her progress, felt a waft of death.

O noble martyr! queenliest intent!

Strong human soul, that holds to pride through all!