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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


OLD FLEMISH LACE by AMELIA WALSTIEN JOLLS CARPENTER

First Line: A LONG, RICH BREADTH OF HOLLAND LACE
Last Line: DEAR HAL, -- WITH THEE!
Subject(s): LACE;

A LONG, rich breadth of Holland lace,
A window by a Flemish sea;
Huge men go by with mighty pace,--
Great Anne was Queen these days, may be,
And strange ships prowled for spoil the sea--
For you--old lace!

Stitch after stitch enwrought with grace,
The mist falls cold on Zuyder-Zee;
The silver tankards hang in place
Along the wall; across her knee
Dame Snuyder spreads her square of lace,
A veil--for me?

The Holland dames put by their lace,
The bells of Bruges ring out in glee;
The mill-wheels move in sluggish race:--
Farewell, sweet bells! Then down the sea
The slow ship brings the bridal grace--
The veil--for me!

Manhattan shores--a New World place,
The Pinxter-blows their sweetest be:
And now-come close, O love-bright face--
Bend low -- ...
Nay, not old Trinity,
To Olde Sainte Marke's i' the Bowerie,
Dear Hal, -- with thee!



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