at the same time drew open the mantle which she held closely clasped to her bosom; but beneath it were only red and white roses, the most beautiful he had ever seen; and this astonished him, as it was no longer the season of flowers. Seeing that Elizabeth was troubled, he sought to console her by his caresses, but he ceased suddenly, on seeing over her head a luminous appearance in the form of a crucifix. 8. He then desired her to continue her route without being disturbed by him, and he returned to Wartburg, meditating with recollection on what God did for her, and carrying with him one of these wonderful roses, which he possessed all his life. At the spot where this meeting took place, he erected a pillar, surmounted by a cross, to consecrate for ever the remembrance of that which he had seen hovering over the head of his wife. MONTALEMBERT.' III. 36. THE QUEEN'S KISS. PART FIRST. N all the blessed calendar, IN The sweetest saint I hold to be 2. A heart of love, a soul of fire, 1 Count Charles Forbes Rene He and is the author of several valuable works, the best known of which are "The Monks of the West" and the "Life of St. Elizabeth of Hungary." 2 Lănd'gra vine, the wife of a landgrave or German nobleman. Of water from her goblet turned, 5. The story of the lěprous child She laid upon her own soft bed; 8. How, chiding, came her angered lord, That smiled and vanished from his sight! 7. The story of the beggar, crouched Upon her court-yard's pavement cold, O'er whom she flung in Christ's dear name Her ermined mantle, wrought with gold. 8. And how it was the Lord Himself Who, in that abject human form, A store of meat and eggs and bread, 11. How, hiding all beneath her robes, Against the tempest toiling down, And, trembling, stood before his frown. 13. How then he thought to kiss her cheek, One rose, a rose of Paradise, IV. 37. THE QUEEN'S KISS. W PART SECOND. ITHIN the French king's banquet-hall, Sat Blanche, the queen from fair Căstile, 2. She who, through blessèd motherhood, A more than royal glory won From Louis, kingliest of saints, And saintliest of kings, her son. 8. It chanced that, as the lovely queen 4. A fair, slight youth, with deep blue eyes, 5. "Know'st thou, my dear lord cardinal, Yon fair-haired page that stands apart?" Asked Blanche, the queen; "his sad face brings A strange, deep yearning to my heart." 6. "Your highness, from a blessed life, The son of St. Elizabeth." 7. Then rose Queen Blanche, and went and stood, In all her state, before the lad, And fixed upon his comely face A gaze hälf tender and half sad. 8. "Thou'rt welcome to our court, fair prince !" Wilt tell me where she kissed her child?" 9. He like his mother's roses stood, All white and red with shy surprise; 'Twas here, your majesty," he said, And touched his brow between his eyes. 10. Fair Blanche of Castile bowed, and pressed Then crossed her hands upon her breast, 11. "Pray for us! dear and blessed one! Thou tender mother! spotless wife! GRACE GREENWOOD. SECTION XI. I. 38. THE WIND IN A FROLIC. HE wind, one morning, sprang up from sleep, THE Saying, "Now for a frolic! now for a leap! Now for a madcap galloping chase! I'll make a commotion in čvèry place!" |