110
A BIRTH-SONG.
(For Olivia Frances Madox Rossetti, born September 20, 1875.)
Out of the dark sweet sleep
Where no dreams laugh or weep
Borne through bright gates of birth
Into the dim sweet light
Where day still dreams of night
While heaven takes form on earth,
White rose of spirit and flesh, red lily of love,
What note of song have we
Fit for the birds and thee,
Fair nestling couched beneath the mother‑dove?
Nay, in some more divine
Small speechless song of thine
