Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/946

        Carry me to his dear side,
        And let the halls be trim;
        Whistly, whistly,' said she,
        'I am wan with watching and wail,
        He must not wake to see me pale,
        Let me sleep with him.
        See you keep the tryst for me,
        I would rest till he awake
        And rise up like a bride.
        But whistly, whistly!' said she.
        'Yet rejoice your Lord doth live;
        And for His dear sake
        Say Laus, Domine.'
        Silent they cast down their eyes,
        And every breast a sob did rive,
        She lifted her in wild surprise
        And they dared not disobey.
'Laus Deo,' said the Steward, hoary when her days were new;
'Laus Deo,' said the Warrener, whiter than the warren snows;
'Laus Deo,' the bald Henchman, who had nursed her on his knee.
        The old Nurse moved her lips in vain,
        And she stood among the train
        Like a dead tree shaking dew.
        Then the Priest he softly slept
        Midway in the little band,
        And he took the Lady's hand.
        'Laus Deo,' he said aloud,
        'Laus Deo,' they said again,
        Yet again, and yet again,
        Humbly cross'd and lowly bow'd,
        Till in wont and fear it rose
        To the Sabbath strain.