Sin was a terrible and ruddy sword,

My hands were only lilies, only made

To lay against his lips, and so I prayed

Another weapon. Willingly I poured

On his strong heart the gifts that could accord

With my life’s fact, but Ah! the gifts were weighed

And all found wanting—and I was afraid

Of love which was so dreadfully my lord.

He showed me the magnificence, the height

To be attained for those who dare to seek,