I saw the Virgin-mother clad in green,

Walking the sprinkled meadows at sundown;

While yet the moon’s cold flame was hung between

The day and night, above the dusky town:

I saw her brighter than the Western gold,

Whereto she faced in splendour to behold.

Her dress was greener than the tenderest leaf

That trembled in the sunset glare aglow:

Herself more delicate than is the brief,

Pink apple-blossom, that May showers lay low,