I think some saint of Eirinn wandering far Found you and brought you here -- Demoiselles! For so I greet you in this alien air! And like those maidens who were only known In their own land as daughters of the King, Children of Charlemagne -- You have, by following that pilgrim-saint, Become high vot'resses -- You have made your palace -- beauty dedicate, And your pomp serviceable: You stand beside our folds! I think you came from some old Roman land -- Most alien, but most Catholic you are: Your purple is the purple that enfolds, In Passion Week, the Shrine, Your scarlet is the scarlet of the wounds: You bring before our walls, before our doors, Lamps of the Sanctuary; And in this stony place The time the robin sings, Through your bells rings the Angelus! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE DESPONDING SOUL'S WISH by JOHN BYROM MY NOVEMBER GUEST by ROBERT FROST EARTH TRIUMPHANT by CONRAD AIKEN THE LORELEI by GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE THE NURSE'S STORY: THE HAND OF GLORY by RICHARD HARRIS BARHAM SONNET: 4 by RICHARD BARNFIELD THE WILD GEESE by MICHAEL JOSEPH BARRY |