Cambridge Poets 1900–1913

Edmund Vale. THE KING 'S WHITE DAUGHTER . DEHOLD ! “ The Bride's Descent," a thousand steps to a great river, Decked all with garlands for nuptials soon to be Old towers and gateways leading up for ever Through ancient Courts of Silence to the Kingdom of Faerie . And the wild swans flew up that sunny water , And the wild swans flew down ; And high above the lawns where walked the King 's White Daughter They flew and took the sunlight which sparkled in her crown . And on the lawn she saw them , their long V'd shadows slanting , While beside her walked the peacocks, and behind her strolled the page ; And she cried with her hands clasped , “ Why should these go flaunting ? They kill the pretty sunlight ! ' Tis the sign of Death and Age !" " There is nor age nor death for thee , my Lady , Thou art enchanted ” — and up he took his bow . “ True !” she cried laughing , “ but still more persuade me , Strike them through their long necks , through their long necks all of snow ! " 201