Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922.
Christmas RedeJane Barlow (18571917)
F
But beam from star fled ne’er so far as mine Heart’s Light hath flown
Since kindest eyes beneath yon skies fell dark and left me lone.
But evermore they saw before a star of soothfast ray,
And follow’d, till its lamp stood still where He who lit it lay.
Yet, mother sweet, may wand’ring feet anigh thy Mansion win,
Above that roof no star for proof need shine to guide them in.
That Love, the flower of Earth’s dim hour, hath found a bower eterne
Shall burn rose-red while stars be sped; tho’ stars dropt dead would burn.