THE YOUNG LADY AND THE FALLEN GIRL

The Shadows lay on the Park so gay,

'Twas near the twilight-tide,

And slowly there a lady fair

Was walking in her pride.

Alone walked she, but viewlessly

Walked spirits at her side.

Peace filled the seat above her feet

And Honour charmed the air,

And all astir looked kind on her

And called her good and fair,

For all God ever gave to her

She kept with jealous care.

She kept with care her beauties rare,

From lovers warm and true.

For her heart was cold to all but gold,

And the, rich came not to woo,

But honoured well are charms to sell

If priests the selling do.

Now walking there was one more fair,

A slight girl, lily pale ;

Alas ! for she had company

To make the spirit quail, —

'Twixt Want and Scorn she walked forlorn.

And nothing could avail.

No mercy now can clear her brow

For this world's peace to pray.

Ah ! as love's prayer dissolved in air.

Her woman's heart gave way.

But the sin forgiven by Christ in Heaven

By man is cursed alway.