Sister Helen (fair copy fragment, lines 225-238, British Library)Dante Gabriel Rossetti1By permission of the British Library[Untitled]Dante Gabriel Rossetti1879 (circa)fair copy manuscriptOne manuscript leaf with text on one side.DGRDGRBritish Library, Ashley CollectionAshley A.1388unlined, cream: measurements: 17.8 x 11 cm
Commentary
Introduction
This manuscript fragment is an early version of lines 225-238 of the received
poem; it is part of the additional material (lines 204-245) that DGR added
in 1881 to the New Edition of the
Poems (1881). The manuscript was written in late 1879, probably in
September or October.
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12archival pagination numberHer sobs I hear her sobs with the wind's sobs wed Sister HelenAnd hHer clasped hands hiderise tostretch from her bending headA head to hide till its grief lies dead: Pale handscrest where the bridal wreath sat red, Little brother O Mother Mary MotherNext wreath for death between Hell and Heaven.She may not speak, butshe is nigh to swoon, Sister Helen,She lifts her lips & gasps on the moonO might I but hear her soul's blithe tune Little brother. O Mother Mary MotherA woman's wishprayer between Hell & Heaven