Poems (Blagden)/Alice

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For works with similar titles, see Alice.
4477186Poems — AliceIsa Blagden
ALICE.
I.

In her golden chamber—
Golden with the sun—
Where the roses clamber
Breathless, one by one;

II.

(O'er her casement creeping
With their lavish grace,
Through her lattice peeping
At her happy face,)

III.

Sitteth fairest Alice
Bending calmly there;
Roses, bear no malice,
Ye are not so fair.

IV.

Bending o'er her missal,
Alice sitteth there;
Shamrock, rose, and thistle,
Carved in jewels rare,

V.

Clasp the velvet cover,
With a rare device;
Scrolls are blazoned over
Gold and azure dyes.

VI.

Argent angels flying,
Peacock's eyes and wings,
Martyrs bravely dying,
Quaint and lovely things.

VII.

Rubies red, and glowing
Pearls and emerald sheaves—
Sapphire rivers flowing,
Glitter through the leaves.

VIII.

I, a page, a servant,
Alice as a queen
At my love so fervent
Smiles, with pride serene.

IX.

All my love, my passion—
All myself I give,
True to ancient fashion,
Loving while I live.

X.

Claiming nought from Alice,
Knowing love is vain;
Wine poured from a chalice
Flows not back again.

XI.

True love is a treasure
Sacred and divine;
Without stint or measure
Cast upon a shrine.

XII.

Alice is an altar
Flaming with my love,
Where my prayers I falter
As to heaven above.

XIII.

Kneeling low before her,
livery pulse and breath
Asks but to adore her,
Faithful unto death.