In Paimpont Wood the trees are greening now,

In sun and shade the purple violets blow!

De Vardes

In those old convent days, ah, ages gone!

Beneath the fruit trees, by the fountain there,

I’ve seen thee nurse a little fluttering bird,

Wounded and frightened, fallen from the blue,

But yet God’s bird, and with a life to save!

And thou didst stroke its plumage tenderly,

And gently fostered it between thy hands