Scenes and Hymns of Life, with Other Religious Poems/The Annunciation

by Felicia Hemans

For other versions of this work, see Female Characters of Scripture. VII. The Annunciation.

VII.

THE ANNUNCIATION.

Lowliest of women, and most glorified!
    In thy still beauty sitting calm and lone,
A brightness round thee grew—and by thy side
    Kindling the air, a form ethereal shone,
    Solemn, yet breathing gladness.—From her throne
A queen had risen with more imperial eye,
A stately prophetess of victory
    From her proud lyre had struck a tempest's tone,
For such high tidings as to thee were brought,
    Chosen of Heaven! that hour:—but thou, O thou!
E'en as a flower with gracious rains o'erfraught,
    Thy virgin head beneath its crown didst bow,
And take to thy meek breast th' all holy word,
And own thyself the handmaid of the Lord.