And breathless silence[219] chained the lips and touched the hearts of all.
I knew that queenly form[220] again, though blighted was its bloom—
I saw that grief had decked it out—an offering for the tomb!
I knew the eye, though faint its light, that once so brightly shone:
I knew the voice, though feeble now, that thrilled with every tone.
I knew the ringlets, almost gray, once threads of living gold;
I knew that bounding grace of step—that symmetry of mould!
Even now I see[221] her far away, in that calm convent aisle,
I hear[222] her chant her vesper hymn, I mark her holy smile—
Even now I see[223] her bursting forth, upon the bridal morn,