Through the starred Judean night br She went, in travail of the Light, br With the earliest hush she saw br God beside her in the straw. br br One poor taper glimmered clear, br Drowsing Joseph nodded near, br All the glooms were rosed with wings. br She that knew the Spirit's kiss br Wearied of the bright abyss. br She was tired of heavenly things. br There between the day and night br These she counted for delight: br br Baby kids that butted hard br In the shadowy stable yard; br Silken doves that dipped and preened br Where the crumbling well-curb greened; br Sparrows in the vine, and small br Sapphired flies upon the wall, br So lovely they seemed musical. br br In the roof a swift had built. br All the new-born airs were spilt br Out of cups the morning made br Of a glory and a shade. br These her solemn eyelids felt br While unseen the seraphs knelt. br Then a young mouse, sleek and bold, br Rustling in the winnowed gold, br To her shadow crept, and curled br Near the Ransom of the World.