Guido.
My love, I have been long from thee, but now
I will not leave thee any more. Oh, God,
Let these kisses tell my heart to her.
Lisetta.
Guido, my love, perhaps I dream of thee!
Perhaps God sends a dream to solace me.
Guido.
Along the stream I went and where it crossed
Bevagna road—where the chestnut grows, thou knowest—
Lisetta, I saw him.
Lisetta.
Yes, yes, I know, whom sawest thou?
Guido.
The brother, Francis of Assisi.
Lisetta.
Guido, sawest thou him?
Guido.
Aye, him. There had he stopped to rest, being spent;
And round him came the birds, beating their wings
Upon his cloak and lighting on his arm.
I saw him smile on them and heard him speak!
"My brother birds, little brothers, ye should love God
Who gave you your wings and your bright songs and spread
The soft air for you." He stroked their necks
And blessed them. And then I saw his eyes.
"Father," I cried, "speak thou to me, I faint
Beside my way!"
Lisetta.
Aye, and he said? Guido, what said he?
Guido.
"Thou art as one that lieth at the gate
Of Paradise and entereth not. For God
Hath given thee thy soul for its own life,
And not for glory among men."
Lisetta.
Guido!