ANNUNCIATION

I think in that far time when Gabriel came

And gave short speech to Mary sweet and wise,

That when the faint fear faded from her eyes,

And they were filled up with a sudden flame

Of joy bewildering and wonderment;

With reverence the angel in her palm

Laid one white lily, dewy with the balm

Of the Lord's garden; saying: “This is sent

For thine espousal, thou the undefiled;

And it shall bloom till all be consummate.”

Lo, then he passed. She, musing where she sate,

Felt all her being moved in manner wondrous mild;

Then, laying‘ gainst her bosom the white flower,

She bowed her head, and said, “It is God's dower.”