For England’s heir, Etherius, had obeyed
His bride’s will, honoring her virginity.
To Rome on pilgrimage, by river and sea,
They sailed, and prettily the bold mariner played.
Saint, dear to tender years! thou and thy doves
Fell pierced with many arrows, and the Rhine
With blood of innocents ran red as wine—
Still teach that to the pure Death’s kiss is Love’s!
Still teach it, though thy mortuary shrine
May moulder, while the stream to ocean moves!