But hither come, if ever erst of old time

Thou didst incline, and listenedst to my crying,

And from thy father's palace down descending,

Camest with golden

Chariot yoked: thee fair swift-flying sparrows

Over dark earth with multitudinous fluttering,

Pinion on pinion, thorough middle ether

Down from heaven hurried.

Quickly they came like light, and thou, blest lady,

Smiling with clear undying eyes didst ask me