The spirit’s ark sealed with a little clay,
Was old ere Memphis grew a memory; {190}
The hand pontifical to break away
That seal what shall surrender? Not the sea
Which did englut great Egypt and his war,
Nor all the desert-drownèd sepulchres.
Love’s feet are stained with clay and travel-sore,
And dusty are Song’s lucent wing and hairs.
O Love, that must do courtesy to decay,
Eat hasty bread standing with loins up-girt,
How shall this stead thy feet for their sore way?
Ah, Song, what brief embraces balm thy hurt!
Had Jacob’s toil full guerdon, casting his
Twice-seven heaped years to burn in Rachel’s kiss?