As others bow before Him, still mine heart

Bows lower than their knees. O centuries

That roll, in vision, your futurities

My future grave athwart,—

Whose murmurs seem to reach me while I keep

Watch o'er this sleep,—

Say of me as the Heavenly said,—'Thou art

The blessedest of women!'—blessedest,

Not holiest, not noblest—no high name,

Whose height misplaced may pierce me like a shame,