II.
Within that dim cathedral church once more she stood alone,
When from her cheek, and brow, and eye, youth's loveliness had flown;
She wandered down the gloomy aisles—no worshippers were there;
And on the altar steps she knelt in the depth of her despair.
The sunset's parting gleam came down to kiss the pictured pane;
Upon the marble stone it flung full many a crimson stain.
There was a hush within the air—no holy chant arose
To fill the aisles with joy, and break the spirit-like repose.
A broken reed, she lowly bent—life's passion dream was o'er,
And there were tears—repentant tears—not like to those of yore;
And murmurs of a nobler faith fixed on the sacred shrine,
'O human love so false, so vain! O love that is divine!'
Fair shone the symbol of the cross—the altar-lamp grew bright;
There came a gleam like trembling stars athwart her spirit's night;
She listened for an answering voice—the peace of God was given:
The marble steps were cold as death, but gladness was in heaven!
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