Page:Twilight Hours (1868).djvu/95

While before us, and behind us,
Dewy grass shines moist and sweet.
Holy Father, hear our cry !
" Holy Father, those Thy servants
Who did bring the good news here,
Said that Thou wast ever with them,
That they knew not how to fear ;
Art Thou with us, too, O Father ?
Suffer us to feel Thee near.
Holy Father, hear our cry ! "
Mark entered, silently, and listening, stayed
Till she had finished ; then he said to her,
" Saint Agnes, my Saint Agnes, shipwrecked men
Grow strangely bold when they cast overboard
That last of anchors, Hope ; until, at length,
Despair might pass for bravery. So, I
Dare now what I have never dared before,
And pray that you will stoop r before we part,
From your high maidenhood, and kiss me, Sweet."
She stood before him, Ruth-like, meek, and still,
Until between her eyebrows dark and clear
He laid a solemn, sacramental kiss.