She stood -- a hill-ensceptred Queen, The glory streaming from her; While Heaven flashed her rays between, And shed eternal summer. The gates of morning opened wide On sunny dome and steeple; Noon gleamed upon the mountain-side Thronged with a happy people; And twilight's drowsy, half closed eyes Beheld that virgin splendour Whose orbs were as her darkening skies, And as her spirit, tender. Girt with that strength, first-born of right, Held fast by deeds of honour, Her robe she wove with rays more bright Than Heaven could rain upon her. Where is that light -- that citadel? That robe with woof of glory? She lost her virtue and she fell, And only left her story. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...INEVITABLY (2) by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON LA BELLE DAME SANS MERCI by JOHN KEATS SONNET: 36 by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE VIRGILS GNAT: DEDICATORY SONNET by EDMUND SPENSER AMERICAN THEMES FOR A GILBERT by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS EMBLEMS OF LOVE: 21. 'TIS CONSTANCY THAT GAINS THE PRIZE by PHILIP AYRES |