Quantum Mutatus!

With emptied, outstretched hands and downcast eyes,
Love walks alone and walks uncomforted;
And if the aureole gleam about his head,
I hardly know; his lips are full of sighs.
And they who question him gain no replies.
Only to me he saith, " My feet have bled
From many a thorny path; and I have said
Such grievous words as make the swift tears rise.

"But never since men knew my awful name
Have I walked thus by such precipitous ways,
Seen such deep darkness, and illusive flame
Which leaves no track. O great ancestral days!
For I am he whose mighty power and peace
Crowned Helen, consecrated Beatrice."