Classic Poem

I

Fair she stood — God's queenly creature!
Wondrous joy was in her face;
Of her ladies none in stature
Like to her, and none in grace.
On the church-roof stood they near her,
Cloth of gold was her attire;
They in jewell'd circle wound her —
Beside her Ely's king, her sire.

II

Far and near the green fields glitter'd
Like to poppy-beds in spring,
Gay with companies loose-scatter'd
Seated each in seemly ring.
Under banners red or yellow:
There all day the feast they kept
From chill dawn and noontide mellow
Till the hill-shades eastward crept.


III

On a white steed at the gateway
Margaret's husband, Calwagh, sate:
Guest on guest, approaching, straightway
Welcomed he with love and state.
Each pass'd on with largess laden,
Chosen gifts of thought and work,
Now the red cloak of the maiden,
Now the minstrel's golden torque.

IV

On the wind the tapestries shifted;
From the blue hills rang the horn;
Slowly toward the sunset drifted
Choral song and shout breeze-borne.
Like a sea the crowds unresting
Murmur'd round the grey church-tower;
Many a prayer amid the feasting,
For Margaret's mother rose that hour!

V

On the church-roof kerne and noble
At her bright face look'd, half-dazed;
Nought was hers of shame or trouble —
On the crowds far off she gazed;
Once, on heaven her dark eyes bending,
Her hands in prayers she flung apart
Unconsciously her arms extending,
She bless'd her people in her heart.

VI

Thus a Gaelic queen and nation
At Imayn till set of sun
Kept with feast the Annunciation,
Fourteen hundred fifty-one.
Time it was of solace tender;
'Twas a brave time, strong yet fair!
Blessing, O ye angels, send her
From Salem's towers, and Inisglaaire!