61. The Vesture of the Soul. Russell, George William ("A. E."). 1913. Collected Poems by A.E.

George William (“A. E.”) Russell (1867–1935). Collected Poems by A.E. 1913.

61. The Vesture of the Soul


I PITIED one whose tattered dress
Was patched, and stained with dust and rain;
He smiled on me; I could not guess
The viewless spirit’s wide domain.

He said, “The royal robe I wear	5
Trails all along the fields of light:
Its silent blue and silver bear
For gems the starry dust of night.

“The breath of Joy unceasingly
Waves to and fro its folds starlit,	10
And far beyond earth’s misery
I live and breathe the joy of it.”