_Three Sisters._[5]

Three fountains clear as crystal spring In one secluded garden-plot; In shade and shelter of one cot Three sister-doves are harbouring.

Adown one pathway hand in hand Three Sister-Graces wend their way; I shall not soon forget the day I met with them in fairy land.

They dawned, I know not how or whence: A halo circling round the head Of each, whereby transfigurèd They clomb the hill of frankincense.

I know not whence or how, they bloomed: Each sweeter than the sweetest rose That in the haunted garden grows Where burns the bush still unconsumed.

And one is like a rising sun When dewy Morn unveils her eyes; And one is as Minerva wise; And very lily-like is one.

And all are dear. I seem to see The weaving of a threefold cord-- To hear a softly whispered word, 'Love makes a unity of three.'