Sonnet.
Along the morning sky the Angel came,1
And through the window like a sunbeam passed,2
Silent and bright. A startled look she cast3
Upon his long white wings and brow of flame.4
“ Hail Mary, full of grace,” said he. The name,5
Like long-expected music come at last,6
By earth was heard. But when with virgin shame7
Pure Mary shrank beneath the Heavens vast,8
All through the sad long suffering word there ran9
A throb of fear and awe lest this poor maid10
The great boon should deny to sinful man.11
“ Behold the handmaid of the Lord,” she said.12
Then gladness like a belt the earth did span :13
The Angel smiled, and back to Heaven fled.14