Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MERCEDES, by MARGARET ELIZABETH MUNSON SANGSTER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MERCEDES, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O loveliest lily, severed from the stem
Last Line: But love has borne her to the upper sky.
Alternate Author Name(s): Van Deth, Gerrit, Mrs.
Subject(s): Death; Love; Dead, The


O LOVELIEST lily, severed from the stem
Of rich sweet-breathing life, and frozen cold!
O fair young Queen, whom earthly diadem
May wreathe no longer! Brilliant story told,
Glad years all numbered,—'t was a ruthless dart
That in thy summer's morning pierced thy heart.

So late we listened to the bridal bells
Which sent their silver peals across the main,
And dreamed we heard this voice amid their swells,—
"New hope, new peace, a new day's dawn for Spain."
So late Madrid, along rejoicing ways,
Sent ringing forth its many-chorded praise!

Who is not glad when manhood's stately strength,
To woman's flower-like bloom is proudly wed?
Alfonso and Mercedes: through the length
And breadth of lands remote the tidings sped;
And simple swains and cottage maids in prayer
Sought blessings on the twain so brave and fair.

And now the banners droop, the roses pale,
The soft gray olives shiver in the sun,
The summer breezes, quivering, moan and wail;
Sadly the golden rivers, as they run
Through shining valleys or by mountains hoar,
Bear on the tale: "The dear Queen lives no more."

She lives no more! Yet shall her stately grace
Still like a perfume through all time abide.
The beauty of her innocent, sweet face
Be unforgotten, and with tender pride
The poets of her people speak her name,
And wreathe with songs her clear and stainless fame.

Lives she no more? Ah, victor over Death,
She met him tranquil, calm; and no eclipse
Dimmed the high courage of her steadfast faith.
She held the crucifix to whitening lips,
That, smiling, seemed to frame, "Thy will be done,"
Till darkness hid her from our earthly sun.

O Love supreme! O Love that never yet
In sharpest hour of need forsook thine own!
An aureole of light henceforth is set
Above the shadows of that vacant throne.
Within Escurial's gloom her dust shall lie,
But Love has borne her to the upper sky.





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