How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
The blessed damozel lean'd out
From the gold bar of Heaven;
Her eyes were deeper than the depth
Of waters still'd at even;
She had three lilies in her hand,
And the stars in her hair were seven. (1-6)
Right out of the gate, this poem puts us in a religious framework. The damozel is in heaven, of course, but she's also surrounded by symbols of Christian faith like the three lilies and the seven stars.
Quote #2
But a white rose of Mary's gift,
For service meetly worn; (9-10)
These lines let us know that the damsel is earning brownie points up in heaven. She's sporting a white rose that was given to her by Mary in recognition of the damsel's service. Given this religious sign of approval, and her pious attitude throughout the poem, it's a safe bet that the damsel is not to blame if her lover doesn't get into heaven. It's either because of his shortcomings or the fact that they aren't officially married.
Quote #3
"Have I not pray'd in Heaven?—on earth,
Lord, Lord, has he not pray'd?
Are not two prayers a perfect strength?
And shall I feel afraid?" (69-72)
These lines are heartbreaking and full of doubt. The damozel here is asking (no one in particular) what more she and her lover could have done to get him his pass into heaven. Isn't piety and prayer enough? We would hope so.
Quote #4
"When round his head the aureole clings,
And he is cloth'd in white,
I'll take his hand and go with him
To the deep wells of light;
As unto a stream we will step down,
And bathe there in God's sight." (73-78)
The damsel's fantasy of getting back together with her lover happens entirely within a religious framework. She can't wait to see him in his white robes and halo, then take him to see God.
Quote #5
"We two will lie i' the shadow of
That living mystic tree
Within whose secret growth the Dove
Is sometimes felt to be,
While every leaf that His plumes touch
Saith His Name audibly." (85-90)
In these lines the damsel enjoys another religiously-themed fantasy about reuniting with her lover. They'll go to the biblical Tree of Life together, which is charged with the Holy Spirit (symbolized by the dove). This would be one pious picnic.
Quote #6
([…] But shall God lift
To endless unity
The soul whose likeness with thy soul
Was but its love for thee?) (99-102)
The still-living lover doubts that he's got the same religious qualities as the damozel, and he's worried that this will keep him out of heaven. In his view, the most religious thing he ever did was love the damsel, but maybe that's not quite enough to make it past the gates.
Quote #7
"There will I ask of Christ the Lord
Thus much for him and me:—
Only to live as once on earth
With Love,—only to be,
As then awhile, forever now
Together, I and he." (127-132)
It's telling that Jesus gets the final say as to whether these two lovers get to spend eternity together or not. That's how Christianity works, so it's not really surprising. In an odd way, though, the conventions of religion provide the sole source of the damsel's and her lover's anxieties. Their eternal happiness is riding on religious acceptance.