Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Coventry Kersey Dighton Patmore 1823–96

Regina Cœli

Patmore

SAY, did his sisters wonder what could Joseph see

In a mild, silent little Maid like thee?

And was it awful, in that narrow house,

With God for Babe and Spouse?

Nay, like thy simple, female sort, each one

Apt to find Him in Husband and in Son,

Nothing to thee came strange in this.

Thy wonder was but wondrous bliss:

Wondrous, for, though

True Virgin lives not but does know,

(Howbeit none ever yet confess’d,)

That God lies really in her breast,

Of thine He made His special nest! And so

All mothers worship little feet,

And kiss the very ground they’ve trod;

But, ah, thy little Baby sweet

Who was indeed thy God!