Three Sisters, vowed to charity,
Out of the well trained city band; Skilled nurses[Note] they, and fit prepared,
Came forward as with life in hand.
When, shame to tell, their proffered aid
Was scouted; reason urgeth why? Search not dim aisles of bigotry,
Sift thou thy soul for just reply.
Oh, narrow bounded prejudice!
Hedged round of a Christian name, Thou low, dim burning altar light!
Unlit of celestial flame.
Right royal blood in honor's cause,
Red stains the patriot battle field; Thou slay'st thy myriads for naught,
God in the conscience may not yield.
Thou! blind and selfish prejudice;
Vile, murky source of endless strife; Know that a world reviving faith
Doth blossom into fruitful life.
III.
'Mid comfort of our peaceful homes,
We heard the rattle of the car Which bore the vanquished from the scene
Of bloodless, but relentless war.
For them no sacred bell was tolled,
Nor rose the chant of plaintive psalm; Yet through deep mists shone guiding light
From cruel cross, to blissful palm.
Within the City Hospital,
With satchel in her willing hand, She waited, as a soldier waits,
Intent to hear his lord's command.
She knew that fickle human aid
When sought at risks is sought in vain; That in no human breast exists
Will to encounter death or pain.