SISTER MARIE
"A fair good-day," she shyly smiled;
"A fair good-day to you," said I,
"And can you tell me why, sweet child,
So loud with prayer the stream goes by."
"'Tis Sister Marie’s voice, they say,
(God give her soul for ever rest),
Who in yon convent walls did pray
As Christ's pure bride she dreamt her blest.
"But came at last a bitter day
When out of France flew flame and strife,
To still the singing birds and lay
Shamed flowers in the red stream of life.
"And ruthless soldiers climbed the hill,
Broke through the convent walls and ran
Mad through the house to spoil and fill
The home that God's pure peace began.
"Before the Saviour's Cross she knelt
The fairest nun in all the place,
Bowed down until her shoulders felt
Rough hands to turn her hidden face.
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