By the grim grace of the Puritans she had been brought Into their frigid meeting-house to list Her funeral sermon before the rope ran taut. @3Soft neck that he had kissed!@1 Through the narrow window her dazed blue eyes could see The rope. Like a glittering icicle it hung From the hoar cross-beam of the horrible gallows-tree. @3His arms about her flung!@1 Two captive Indians and one Guinea slave, Hating at heart the merciless white God, In the stubborn ground were hacking her shallow grave. @3Sweet April path they trod!@1 Her shivering neighbors thrilled to the fierce discourse Of the minister, who thundered the dire sting Of a sinner's death till his vehement voice went hoarse. @3She heard love's whispering.@1 And still she stood while the frozen communion bread, That the preacher broke ere he poured the chilly wine, Rattling into the plates, her judges fed. @3Her food was more divine.@1 | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IMPROMPTU by FRANCOIS JOACHIM DE PIERRE DE BERNIS ARIADNE by KATHERINE HARRIS BRADLEY SONNET TO A LADY ON THE DEATH OF MRS. --. by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD TRUE-HEARTED WAS HE by ROBERT BURNS THOUGHTS ON PREDESTINATION AND REPROBATION by JOHN BYROM A MOTHER'S WEALTH by WILLIAM C. CAMERON THE LORDS' MASQUE: SONG by THOMAS CAMPION LINES ON A FRIEND WHO DIED OF A FRENZY FEVER ... CALUMINOUS REPORTS by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE |