Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO BEARERS, by ARTHUR THOMAS QUILLER-COUCH


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO BEARERS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Maids, carry her forth - your dead
Last Line: Fall for her coverlet.
Alternate Author Name(s): Q; Quiller-couch, A. T.
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Death; Dead, The


MAIDS, carry her forth—your dead,
Your pale young queen;
Two at her feet, two at her head,
And four between.—
Not as we wanted it,
But as God granted it.

Not now to the swinging chime,
To the organ swell,
Keep we the rank, treading in time—
But one dull bell.
Open the gates for her!
The Bridegroom waits for her.

We never had dreamed it so:
But she—she knew;
Walking aloof, placid of brow,
Her short life through:
Scornful, in surety
Guarding her purity.

Buds born for the bridal path
Cover her breast:
Babes of the dream now that she hath
Sleep in her rest.
Our peace above her let
Fall for her coverlet.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net