"Then bestir yourself and from yonder shelf

Set out your store of food!"

For her guest she spread the table;

She motioned him to his place

With a gesture proud; then the widow bowed,

And gently—asked a grace.

"If thine enemy hunger, feed him!

I obey, dear Christ!" she said;

A creeping blush, with its scarlet flush,

O'er the face of the soldier spread.