| Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900. |
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| Frances Bannerman. |
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| 878. An Upper Chamber |
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| I CAME into the City and none knew me; | |
| None came forth, none shouted 'He is here! | |
| Not a hand with laurel would bestrew me, | |
| All the way by which I drew anear— | |
| Night my banner, and my herald Fear. | 5 |
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| But I knew where one so long had waited | |
| In the low room at the stairway's height, | |
| Trembling lest my foot should be belated, | |
| Singing, sighing for the long hours' flight | |
| Towards the moment of our dear delight. | 10 |
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| I came into the City when you hail'd me | |
| Saviour, and again your chosen Lord:— | |
| Not one guessing what it was that fail'd me, | |
| While along the way as they adored | |
| Thousands, thousands, shouted in accord. | 15 |
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| But through all the joy I knew—I only— | |
| How the hostel of my heart lay bare and cold, | |
| Silent of its music, and how lonely! | |
| Never, though you crown me with your gold, | |
| Shall I find that little chamber as of old! | 20 |
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