And nursed and tended it, and soon the child

Would not be parted from her arms, but throve

And fattened, and she kept it night and day.

And always at her side with sleepless care

Hovered the young Felicitas—a slight

And spiritual figure—every touch and tone

Charged with premonitory tenderness,

Herself so near to her own motherhood.

Thus lightened and relieved, Perpetua

Recovered from her silent fit. Her eyes