Get out the microscope, because we’re going through this poem line-by-line.
Lines 109-114
"Circlewise sit they, with bound locks
And foreheads garlanded;
Into the fine cloth white like flame
Weaving the golden thread.
To fashion the birth-robes for them
Who are just born, being dead."
- According to the damsel, these handmaidens sit around in a circle, with braids in their hair ("bound locks") and wreaths around their foreheads ("garlanded").
- It turns out that this is a sewing circle, only the ladies aren't just sewing comfy sweatpants. They're using "golden thread" to weave white robes for those who are "just born," or reborn after death as they enter heaven (112).
- The good news is that these folks make it to heaven, and the even better news is that they're about to get some sweet robes on top.