These endless cloisters and eternal aisles

With the same series, Virgin, Babe and Saint,

With the same cold calm beautiful regard,—

At least no merchant traffics in my heart;

The sanctuary's gloom at least shall ward

Vain tongues from where my pictures stand apart:

Only prayer breaks the silence of the shrine

While, blackening in the daily candle-smoke,

They moulder on the damp wall's travertine,

'Mid echoes the light footstep never woke.