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For a Picture of St. Dorothea
by Gerard Manley HopkinsI bear a basket lined with grass;
I am so light, I am so fair,
That men must wonder as I pass
And at the basket that I bear,
Where in a newly-drawn green litter
Sweet flowers I carry, - sweets for bitter.
Lilies I shew you, lilies none,
None in Caesar's gardens blow, -
And a quince in hand, - not one
Is set upon your boughs below;
Not set, because their buds not spring;
Spring not, 'cause world is wintering.
But these were found in the East and South
Where Winter is the clime forgot. -
The dewdrop on the larkspur's mouth
O should it then be quench'd not?
In starry water-meads they drew
These drops: which be they? stars or dew?
Had she a quince in hand? Yet gaze:
Rather it is the sizing moon.
Lo, linked heavens with milky ways!
That was her larkspur row. - So soon?
Sphered so fast, sweet soul? - We see
Nor fruit, nor flowers, nor Dorothy.