Dora Sigerson Shorter

“ Quick bearing, well we knew, all your sweet gold
To one who was beloved, there, loose unbound.
The yellow wealth lay ready to his hold.
Cursed be he; did he kiss, then, tress by tress,
And so beneath the hiding glory seek
Those smiling lips, that only spoke to bless
All I did curse, in accents low and meek.
Fate has such ways of laying plan and plot. ”

“ And heart to heart that are not over wise,
Why did you choose a braggart and a sot
From those who loved you, held you as a prize?
Did my deep curses fall? For stricken he
Found death's black gate, and waited while you prayed
All the great saints of Heaven kind to be. ”

“ And looked for blood upon the tress apart.
You laughed upon me, “Did you see her bow?
My boon is granted, he shall live, shall live!”
Before the Virgin low you bent your brow,
“Behold, sweet Mother, all my gold I give.” ”