His Lady of the Sonnets

by Robert Winkworth Norwood

X

Last night I crossed the spaces to your side,
As you lay sleeping in the sacred room
Of our great moment. Like a lily's bloom,
Fragile and white were you, my spirit-bride,
For pain and loneliness with you abide,
And Death had thought to touch you with his doom,
Until Love stood angelic at the tomb,
Drew sword, smote him, and life's door opened wide.

I looked on you and breathed upon your hair—
Your hair of such soft, brown, translucent gold!
Nor did you know that I knelt down in prayer,
Clasped hands, and worshipped you for the untold
Magnificence of womanhood divine—
God's miracle of Water turned to Wine!

XI

Paola and Francesca, dead these years,
And lost forever unto Rimini!
Lanciotto's garden blooms no more where ye
Found love is laughter, love is also tears;
Is peace and pain, high hopes and sudden fears;
That love is gain and loss, an ecstasy
Of heaven and then hell's hot eternity;
A balm that soothes the soul, a flame that sears.

I, too, know of a secret garden where
Pale asphodels are rivals of the rose;
And all life's opposites are gathered there
Before the spirit's agony, that knows
Gladness ineffable through loving One
Who hath no equal underneath the sun.

XII

What has become of our great moment when
The love we veiled was daringly revealed—
You in my arms, O Heart—and one kiss sealed
The covenant? I, who among all men
Was weakest, gained forthwith the strength of ten;
And you for my sake instantly repealed
Your prayer for death, that you might live and yield
Me title to possess your spirit's ken.