Poems (Scudder)/Hauviette's Prayer
HAUVIETTE'S PRAYER
Brown Hauviette am I the elders call
Of tongue too keen, of hazel eyes too soft,
And I have left the dance to kneel alone
In this grey chapel where she came so oft.
Of tongue too keen, of hazel eyes too soft,
And I have left the dance to kneel alone
In this grey chapel where she came so oft.
My Jeanne. And dare I pray for her whose life
In deeds of sweetest piety was spent—
And yet she loved me so she could not bear
To say farewell to me before she went.
In deeds of sweetest piety was spent—
And yet she loved me so she could not bear
To say farewell to me before she went.
Black Robin caught me near the chapel door
And kissed me ere I wrenched myself away.
I was so angry with him when he laughed
Because I bade him leave me here to pray.
And kissed me ere I wrenched myself away.
I was so angry with him when he laughed
Because I bade him leave me here to pray.
Saint Catherine with that great fiery wheel,
Saint Margaret who gazing calm above
Tramples that monstrous dragon under foot—
Terrible saints, more meet for fear than love.
Saint Margaret who gazing calm above
Tramples that monstrous dragon under foot—
Terrible saints, more meet for fear than love.
Mild Agnes with her lamb clasped to her breast
Were fitter patron for a pleader who
Is but an humble, timid shepherd lass—
Yet, since she loved you most I come to you,
Were fitter patron for a pleader who
Is but an humble, timid shepherd lass—
Yet, since she loved you most I come to you,
With such small gifts as I who am not rich
Even among our peasant folk may bring
Jeanne always brought you flowers. I have searched
Forest and meadow for my offering.
Even among our peasant folk may bring
Jeanne always brought you flowers. I have searched
Forest and meadow for my offering.
Wood-lilies, faintly scented violets,
The blossoms of the wild strawberry vine,
And honeysuckles tinged with pink as though
They held the last lees of the fairies' wine.
The blossoms of the wild strawberry vine,
And honeysuckles tinged with pink as though
They held the last lees of the fairies' wine.
I ask not for such mighty favor showed
To me as once to her that ye appear
Before me in angelic splendor clad—
Indeed, I think I should go mad for fear.
To me as once to her that ye appear
Before me in angelic splendor clad—
Indeed, I think I should go mad for fear.
But guard her, keep her from all scathe and ill
On that strange path she treads, and when all's o'er
Let her return, the same dear, simple soul
Tender and kindly as she was of yore.
On that strange path she treads, and when all's o'er
Let her return, the same dear, simple soul
Tender and kindly as she was of yore.