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.