44
Maddalena's confession.
Joyful, and sorrowful,
And glorious mysteries meekly she had told
Upon her rosary of years, when death
Garnered her sweet soul. Mass nor prayer was said;
For those there be who swear a hovering crown
Rained on her brow faint glory, and around
Crept music and rich odours, while awed priest
And kneeling abbess with rapt upraised looks
Sang the Te Deum Laudamus!
So she passed!
I bear upon my breast the cross that wore
Its outline upon hers.
Thou, earnest, Jacopo,
Playmate and friend!
Do you remember now
How, while you twined the vine leaves in my hair,
I told you saintly legends? When we saw
Fair pictures in the clouds, you made them limn
Chariots and battling horsemen, but to me
Came trooping angels.
Still my sister's chamber
Seemed hallowed by her presence. Crumbling wreaths
And glorious mysteries meekly she had told
Upon her rosary of years, when death
Garnered her sweet soul. Mass nor prayer was said;
For those there be who swear a hovering crown
Rained on her brow faint glory, and around
Crept music and rich odours, while awed priest
And kneeling abbess with rapt upraised looks
Sang the Te Deum Laudamus!
So she passed!
I bear upon my breast the cross that wore
Its outline upon hers.
Thou, earnest, Jacopo,
Playmate and friend!
Do you remember now
How, while you twined the vine leaves in my hair,
I told you saintly legends? When we saw
Fair pictures in the clouds, you made them limn
Chariots and battling horsemen, but to me
Came trooping angels.
Still my sister's chamber
Seemed hallowed by her presence. Crumbling wreaths
