Angel Help

     PovertywithSanctitude.


     Pastmidnightthispoormaidhathspun,


     Andyettheworkisnothalfdone,


     Whichmustsupplyfromearningsscant


     Afeeblebed-ridparentswant.


     Hersleep-chargedeyesexemptionask


     AndHolyhandstakeupthetask;


     Unseentherockandspindleply,


     Anddoherearthlydrudgery.


     Sleep,saintlypoorone!sleep,sleepon;


     And,waking,findtheylaboursdone.


     Perchancesheknowsitbyherdreams;


     Hereyehathcaughtthegoldengleams,


     Angelicpresencetestifying,


     Thatroundhereverywhereareflying;


     Ostentsfromwhichshemaypresume,


     Thatmuchofheavenisintheroom.


     Skirtingherownbrighthairtheyrun,


     Andtothesunnyaddmoresun:


     Nowonthatagedfacetheyfix,


     StreamingfromtheCrucifix;


     Theflesh-cloggdspiritdisabusing,


     Death-disarmingsleepsinfusing,


     Prelibations,foretasteshigh,


     Andequalthoughtstoliveordie.


     GardenerbrightfromEdensbower,


     Tendwithcarethatlilyflower;


     Toitsleavesandrootinfuse


     Heavenssunshine,Heavensdews.


     Tisatype,andtisapledge,


     Ofacrowningprivilege.


     Carefulasthatlilyflower,


     ThisMaidmustkeepherpreciousdower;


     LiveasaintedMaid,ordie


     Martyrtovirginity.