| William Stanley Braithwaite, ed. The Book of Restoration Verse. 1910. | | | | Song of the Priestesses | | By Nahum Tate (1652–1715) |
| | At the Tomb of Argaces
SLEEP, 1 ye great Manes of the dead! | |
| Whilst our solemn round we tread; | |
| Whilst at our cell, as at a shrine, | |
| We nightly wait with rites divine. | |
| Whilst, to adorn the tomb, we bring | 5 |
| The earliest glories of the Spring; | |
| And sweetest softest anthems sing. | |
| The floor, with hallowed drops bedewing; | |
| And all around fresh roses strewing. | |
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| Ye Guardian Powers, that here resort, | 10 |
| For ever make this cell your Court. | |
| If devoutest prayers invite ye, | |
| Or Sabæan gums delight ye; | |
| Then make this sacred Urn your care, | |
| And nightly to this cell repair, | 15 |
| To feast on frankincense and prayer. | |
| Around we go, the floor bedewing; | |
| Violets, pinks, and roses strewing. | |
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