  Elizabeth of Hungary, a widow at the age of twenty, was sought in marriage by Frederick II., Emperor of Germany. She, having taken a vow never to marry again, declined his offer, and devoted her life to deeds of kindness and charity. She died at the age of twenty-four, and was canonized as a saint by Gregory IX. At this ceremony Frederick placed upon her head a golden crown, saying, "Since thou wouldst not be crowned as my Empress, I crown thee to-day as an immortal Queen in the kingdom of God." When once I saw thee, fair, yet sad and lone,— Tho wealth and beauty waited at thy hand— I would have crowned thee, saintly one, mine own; Glad would have had thee share with me my throne, Bride of my heart, and Empress of my land! But thou wert wedded to thy valiant dead, And to the service of a Christ-like love; So by thy hand the suffering poor were led, And from thy bounty were the hungry fed, Till came thy summons to the Court Above. Now hast thou passed from tears and pain away, Thine ear hath caught the heavenly melodies;— So be it mine, with reverent touch, to-day, On thy fair head this diadem to lay, And crown thee Queen immortal for the skies! |
|
