"Severe and saintly righteousness Compos'd the clear white bridal dress; JESUS, the son of Heaven's high king, Bought with his blood the marriage ring. A wretched sinful creature, I Soon to these murky shades I came, Whose waters clear have influence From sin's foul stains the soul to cleanse; And, night and day, I them augment With tears, like a true penitent, Until, due expiation made, And fit atonement fully paid, The lord and bridegroom me present, "Now Christ restore thee soon"-I said, And thenceforth all my dream was fled. DIALOGUE BETWEEN A MOTHER AND CHILD. CHILD. "O LADY, lay your costly robes aside, No longer may you glory in your pride.” MOTHER. Wherefore to-day art singing in mine ear songs, were made so long ago, my dear; This day I am to be a bride, you know, Why sing sad songs, were made so long ago? CHILD. O, mother, lay your costly robes aside, For you may never be another's bride. That line I learn'd not in the old sad song. MOTHER. I pray thee, pretty one, now hold thy tongue, Play with the bride-maids, and be glad, my boy, For thou shalt be a second father's joy. QUEEN ORIANA'S DREAM. ON a bank with roses shaded, Whose sweet scent the violets aided, Yields but feeble smell or none, And two more did music keep, To the mighty Tamerlane, That was lord of all the land Between Thrace and Samarchand, While the noon-tide fervor beam'd, Mused herself to sleep, and dream'd. Thus far, in magnific strain, Youthful Richard had strange fancies, Made a virtue out of need, And, his labours wiselier deem'd of, Did omit what the queen dream'd of. |