IV

And in this garden sloping to the sea

I dwelt ( it seemed ) to watch a pageant pass,—

Great Kings, their armour strong with iron and brass,

Young Queens, with yellow hair bound wonderfully.

For love's sake, and because of love's decree,

Most went, I knew; and so the flowers and grass

Knew my steps also: yet I wept Alas,

Deeming the garden surely lost to me.

But as the days went over, and still our feet

Trod the warm, even places, I knew well

( For I, as they, followed the close-heard beat

Of Love's wide wings who was her sentinel )

That here had Beauty built her citadel

And only we should reach her mercy-seat.