Henry Alford

Sonnet XL. Easter-Eve, 1833.

I saw two women weeping by the tomb Of one new--buried, in a fair green place Bowered with shrubs; the eve retained no trace Of aught that day performed; but the faint gloom Of dying day was spread upon the sky; The moon was broad and bright above the wood; The breeze brought tokens of a multitude, Music, and shout, and mingled revelry. At length came gleaming through the thicket--shade Helmet and casque, and a steel--armed band Watched round the sepulchre in solemn stand; The night--word past, from man to man conveyed; And I could see those women rise and go Under the dark trees, moving sad and slow.