YOU gazed into the great Beyond, And in your face the love of country burned, But who can say what scenes to come Beheld those eyes to Heaven upturned?
The world was hushed, Wrapped in the misty light Which hovered o'er the distant hills, When daylight yielded prestige to the night.
Ah! maiden standing 'neath the tree, The mystery of ages on your brow, A voice from out the twilight seemed to say: "Maiden of God, go boldly now."
A knight in armor you beheld, Riding amid the battle's thick affray; Before you was a flying host Which to the foemen brought dismay.
Around, the friend and enemy alike Lay cold and stiff before Death's chilling glance, While wildly rang the battle cry: "Fight for the Golden Lilies and the King of France!"
Walls of cities rose before you, grim and gray, Cities famed in legends old, Troyes, Tournelles, and Rheims, and Orleans— Sheltered were you 'neath their turrets cold.
Far away and indistinctly Was a city—but it fades, And your meditations left you In the verdure of the glades.
Courage! the victory shall be yours, Your name shall live among the great; And with a heart pure and unfaltering, Go you then forth alone, to meet your fate!
