Ambarvalia/Burbidge/The Riddle

by Thomas Burbidge

THE RIDDLE.

Was ever breast of mortal birth
With such sweet riddle laden?
Was she a Spirit of the earth
Or a Celestial Maiden?

I know not now, I knew not then,
But oft with her conversing,
Now was I one that talked with men,
Now one with Heaven commercing.

I know not: this alone is sure,
That, ever seeing clearer,
I found the earthly grew more pure,
And the divine came nearer.