Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
Frances Bannerman.878. An Upper Chamber
I CAME into the City and none knew me; | |
None came forth, none shouted ‘He is here! | |
Not a hand with laurel would bestrew me, | |
All the way by which I drew anear— | |
Night my banner, and my herald Fear. | 5 |
But I knew where one so long had waited | |
In the low room at the stairway’s height, | |
Trembling lest my foot should be belated, | |
Singing, sighing for the long hours’ flight | |
Towards the moment of our dear delight. | 10 |
I came into the City when you hail’d me | |
Saviour, and again your chosen Lord:— | |
Not one guessing what it was that fail’d me, | |
While along the way as they adored | |
Thousands, thousands, shouted in accord. | 15 |
But through all the joy I knew—I only— | |
How the hostel of my heart lay bare and cold, | |
Silent of its music, and how lonely! | |
Never, though you crown me with your gold, | |
Shall I find that little chamber as of old! | 20 |