Michael Field (Katherine Harris Bradley (1846-1914) and Edith Emma Cooper (1862-1913)
“Beloved”
Mortal, if thou art beloved
Life’s offences are removed;
All the fateful things that checked thee,
Hearten, hallow, and protect thee.
Grow’st thou mellow? What is age?
Tinct on life’s illumined page,
Where the purple letters glow
Deeper, painted long ago.
What is sorrow? Comfort’s prime,
Love’s choice Indian summer clime. 10
Sickness!—thou wilt pray it worse
For so blessed, balmy nurse.
And for death! when thou art dying
‘Twill be Love beside thee lying.
Death is lonesome? Oh, how brave
Shows the foot-frequented grave!
Heaven itself is but the casket
For Love’s treasure, ere he ask it,—
Ere with burning heart he follow,
Piercing through corruption’s hollow. 20
If thou art beloved, oh then
Fear no grief from mortal men.
