Within that dim cathedral church once more she stood alone,
When from her cheek, and brow, and eye, youth's loveliness had flown;
She wandered down the gloomy aisles--no worshippers were there;
And on the altar steps she knelt in the depth of her despair.
The sunset's parting gleam came down to kiss the pictured pane;
Upon the marble stone it flung full many a crimson stain.
There was a hush within the air--no holy chant arose
To fill the aisles with joy, and break the spirit-like repose.
A broken reed, she lowly bent--life's passion dream was o'er,
And there were tears--repentant tears--not like to those of yore;
And murmurs of a nobler faith fixed on the sacred shrine,
'O human love so false, so vain! O love that is divine!'
Fair shone the symbol of the cross--the altar-lamp grew bright;
There came a gleam like trembling stars athwart her spirit's night;
She listened for an answering voice--the peace of God was given:
The marble steps were cold as death, but gladness was in heaven!
* * * * *
Printed and Published by W. and R. CHAMBERS, High Street, Edinburgh.
Also sold by W. S. ORR, Amen Corner, London; D. N. CHAMBERS, 55 West
Nile Street, Glasgow; and J. M'GLASHAN, 50 Upper Sackville Street,
Dublin.--Advertisements for Monthly Parts are requested to be sent to
MAXWELL & Co., 31 Nicholas Lane, Lombard Street, London, to whom all
applications respecting their insertion must be made.