Soft sunset kissed the castle court,
And kissed the curtains where she lay;
Listless she looked, while white as milk
Her doves came hovering o'er the bay;
On mantel, bench, and bed they sat,
On cornice-mold and carved stairway,
And cooing sadly, waited still; --
Done was the sweet June day. Treading their perch with restless feet,
Sore grieved each feathered carrier grew;
Then came the whir of their countless wings
(Save one that to her bosom drew),
While through the lattice and low porch,
Afar into the heavens blue,
Where past the clouds a pathway led,
Bearing her soul they flew.