Blush, thou fine-grained little cheek,
It comforts me to see that e’en thy meek
Child-beauty knows enough of love to blush.
(Speaks.) Nay, you flush
So prettily! Well, must I tell the rest?
You knew, then, all at once, you loved him best,
This gallant Willie?
The Maiden (thinking).
What has come to me
That I do answer, from reserve so free,
This stranger’s questions? Yet may it not chance
My confidence shall win hers in return?
I must press on, nor give one backward glance—
Must follow up my gain by words that burn
With charity and Christian zeal.
(Speaks.) Yes; then
We were betrothed. I wore his mother’s ring,—
And Willie joined the church; before all men
He made the promises and vows which bring
A blessing down from God. Dear lady, strength
From Heaven came to us. Could I endure
This absence, silence, all the weary length
Of hours and days and months, were I not sure
That God was with my Willie? If on you
Sorrow has fallen, lady (and those tears
Showed me its presence), seek the good, the true,
In this sad life; a prayer can calm all fears;
Yield all your troubles to your God’s control,
And He will bless you. Ah! where should I be
Did I not know that in my Willie’s soul
Came first the love of God, then love for me?
The Lady.
His love for you comes second?
The Maiden.
Would you have
A mortal love come first?
The Lady.
Sweet heart, I crave
Your pardon. For your gentle Christian zeal
I thank you. Wear this gem—’twill make me feel
That I am something to you when we part.
But what the “silence?”
The Maiden.