The Angel Of The Jasmine Wreath

(From a picture by Botticelli, of the Madonna and Child with Angels,--in the Borghese Gallery)

Ineffable angel, with the jasmine wreathed,

Wherefrom the sweetness over brow and lips,

And luminous white eyelids tremulously slips,

A visible essence from thy beauty breathed,--

The pure and pensive marvel of thy face is sheathed

In tresses softer than the bloom of night,

Wherefrom the dampness on thy forehead drips

With dews from out God's meadows infinite,--

Thy face, itself, a lily filled with light:--

Thyself the youngest of God's angels and most fair,

Bearing His latest breath and blessing on thine hair,

Thou comest fresh from looking on thy Lord;

And all is well, and all is filled for thee

With eloquent, mute wonder of His Word.

Oh, lean a little forth thy lips to me,

For I am fain of peace amid this earthly strife,

And I would drink, a spent soul, thirstily,

From out thy never-failing cup of life.