The Poetry Corner

A Candlemas Dialogue.

By Christina Georgina Rossetti

"Love brought Me down; and cannot love make thee Carol for joy to Me? Hear cheerful robin carol from his tree, Who owes not half to Me I won for thee." "Yea, Lord, I hear his carol's wordless voice; And well may he rejoice Who hath not heard of death's discordant noise. So might I too rejoice With such a voice." "True, thou hast compassed death; but hast not thou The tree of life's own bough? Am I not Life and Resurrection now? My Cross balm-bearing bough For such as thou?" "Ah me, Thy Cross! - but that seems far away; Thy Cradle-song to-day I too would raise, and worship Thee and pray: Not empty, Lord, to-day Send me away." "If thou wilt not go empty, spend thy store; And I will give thee more, Yea, make thee ten times richer than before. Give more and give yet more Out of thy store." "Because Thou givest me Thyself, I will Thy blessed word fulfil, Give with both hands, and hoard by giving still; Thy pleasure to fulfil, And work Thy Will."