Lit the white vesture and the upturned face

Of her who knelt in meekness there. Her lips

Were motionless, and the slight clasping hands

Pressed lightly on her bosom, but a high

Seraphic bliss spoke in the fervent hush

Of the pure, radiant features; for she held

Unsoiled communion with her spirit's lord.

Slowly away faded that glorious trance,

And the white lids lifted as though reluctant.

She looked on Joseph, and a faint, quick flush