Content, though blind, had I no better guide.

XXIII.

ON HIS DECEASED WIFE

Methought I saw my late espoused saint

Brought to me [like Alcestis] from the grave,

Whom Jove’s great son to her glad husband gave,

Rescued from Death by force, though pale and faint.

Mine, as whom washed from spot of child-bed taint 5

[Purification in the Old Law] did save,

And such as yet once more I trust to have