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SONGS, LEGENDS, AND BALLADS.
THE WAIL OF TWO CITIES.
CHICAGO, OCTOBER 9, 1871.
GAUNT in the midst of the prairie?
She who was once so fair;
Charred and rent are her garments,
Heavy and dark like cerements;
Silent, but round her the air
Plaintively wails, "Miserere!"
Proud like a beautiful maiden,
Art-like from forehead to feet.
Was she till pressed like a leman
Close to the breast of the demon,
Lusting for one so sweet,
So were her shoulders laden.
