wsh@hou5f.UUCP (Willie Heck) (08/12/83)
ON HIS DECEASED WIFE
by
John Milton
(1608-1674)
Methought I saw my late espouse'd saint
Brought to me like Alcestis from the grave,
Whom Jove's great son to her glad husband gave,
Rescued from death by force, though pale and faint.
Mine as whom washed from spot of child-bed taint,
Purification in the Old Law did save,
And such, as yet once more I trust to have
Full sight of her in Heaven without restraint,
Came vested all in white, pure as her mind;
Her face was veiled, yet to my fancied sight,
Love, sweetness, goodness, in her person shined
So clear, as in no face with more delight.
But O, as to embrace me she inclined,
I waked, she fled, and day brought back my night.