. . .As, since the gate of Love had oped for me, I lived in hell or heavenly ecstasy. But all things on this day had good import, For even now I went to Love’s high court, To greet my heart’s dear queen, where she did dwell In this his holy city, where the streets Seem’d gold, or like the burnish’d path which meets The sun’s bright porch across the shining sea; So in Love’s glory shone my way to me. Until before her gate the splendour fell. Robed in sweet grace and crowned with her hair, I met my queen, upon her palace stair, And near I was to fall and worship there, As to her hand I brought a golden gift, [11]Which she, my gracious sovereign, counted well, And me unto her highest grace did lift, Making me rich above all kingly state. For side by side within her house we sate, Or ’neath the azure canopy of heaven, And every hour and every day, of seven, Brought unto our feet their separate joy.. . . Read More