Beatrice

FOR THE BEATRICE CELEBRATION, 1890) Nine mystic revolutions of the spheres Since Dante's birth, and lo! a star new-born Shining in heaven: and like a lark at morn Springing to meet it, straight in all men's ears, A strange new song, which through the listening years Grew deep as lonely sobbing from the thorn Rising at eve, shot through with bitter scorn, Full-throated with the ecstasy of tears. Long since that star arose, that song upsprang, That shine and sing in heaven above us yet; Since thy white childhood, glorious Beatrice, Dawned like a blessed angel upon his: Thy star it was that did his song beget, Star shining for us still because he sang.