244
JOAN OF ARC.
Mild as decaying light of summer sun. 455
Thus calmly constant flowed the stream of life
Till lost at length amid that shoreless sea,
Eternity. Around the bed of death
Gathered his numerous race—his last advice
In sad attention heard—caught his last sigh—460
Then underneath the aged tree that grew
With him, memorial planted at his birth,
They delved the narrow house: there oft at eve
Drew round their children of the after days,
And pointing to the turf, told how he lived, 465
And taught by his example how to die.
Thus calmly constant flowed the stream of life
Till lost at length amid that shoreless sea,
Eternity. Around the bed of death
Gathered his numerous race—his last advice
In sad attention heard—caught his last sigh—460
Then underneath the aged tree that grew
With him, memorial planted at his birth,
They delved the narrow house: there oft at eve
Drew round their children of the after days,
And pointing to the turf, told how he lived, 465
And taught by his example how to die.
"Maiden! and such the evening of my days
Fondly I hoped; but I shall be at rest
Soon, in that better world of Peace and Love
Where evil is not: in that better world 470
JOAN we shall meet, and he too will be there,
Thy Theodore."
Sooth'd by his words, the Maid
Fondly I hoped; but I shall be at rest
Soon, in that better world of Peace and Love
Where evil is not: in that better world 470
JOAN we shall meet, and he too will be there,
Thy Theodore."
Sooth'd by his words, the Maid
Had
