CROWNED

I WEAR a crown invisible and clear,

And go my lifted royal way apart

Since you have crowned me softly in your heart

With love that is half ardent, half austere;

And as a queen disguised might pass anear

The bitter crowd that barters in a mart,

Veiling her pride while tears of pity start,

I hide my glory thru a jealous fear.

My crown shall stay a sweet and secret thing

Kept pure with prayer at evensong and morn,

And when you come to take it from my head,

I shall not weep, nor will a word be said,

But I shall kneel before you, oh my king,

And bind my brow forever with a thorn.