‘Sister,’ he said, ’the morn that I had offered my ring, I was feeble and faint; and when I knelt on before the altar in continued prayer—­I know not whether I slept or whether it were a vision, but it was to me as though I were again on the river, and again the hymn of Bernard of Morlaix was sung around and above me, by the voice I never thought to hear again.  I looked up, and behold it was I that was in the boat—­my King was there no more.  Nay, he stood on the shore, and his eyes beamed on me; while the ghastly wounds that I once strove in anguish to staunch shone out like a ruby cross on his breast—­the hands, that were so sorely gashed, were to me as though marked by the impress of the Sacred Wounds.  He spake not; but by his side stood King Henry, beautiful and spirit-like, and smiled on me, and seemed as though he pointed to the wounds, as he said, “Blessed is the king who died by his people’s hand, for withstanding his people’s sin!  Blessed is every faint image of the true King!”

’Then methought they held out their arms to me; and I would have come to them on their shore of rest, but the river bore me away—­and I looked up, to find I was as yet only in the earthly Jerusalem; but I watch for them every hour, to call me once and for ever.’

FOOTNOTES

{1} ‘Hail, reverend brother.  I come from Paris.’

{2} Student of the first year.

{3} Manners are lacking to the Northerners.

{4} Wretches.

{5} For supper.

{6} Telephus and Peleus, when both are poor and exiled, dismiss boasting and six-foot words.

{7} It is dispersed in a cloud.