Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Louise ImogenGuiney

1419 On First Entering Westminster Abbey

HOLY of England! since my light is short

And faint, O rather by the sun anew

Of timeless passion set my dial true,

That with thy saints and thee I may consort,

And, wafted in the cool, enshadowed port

Of poets, seem a little sail long due,

And be as one the call of memory drew

Unto the saddle void since Agincourt!

Not now, for secular love’s unquiet lease,

Receive my soul, who, rapt in thee ere-while,

Hath broken tryst with transitory things;

But seal with her a marriage and a peace

Eternal, on thine Edward’s altar-isle,

Above the oval sea of ended kings.