Classic Poem

XLI.

She could not rise upon her feet,
She could not stand when others stood,
And all the words she could repeat
Were still—“To me, O God! be good!”

XLII.

At last the service all was done,
And she might go from church away,
But still she could not be alone,
She must beside her father stay.

XLIII.

His mid-day meal she must prepare
Before the second service-bell;
And she must sit beside him there,
And by constraint be well.

XLIV.

Once more they reached their home again;
The winter day had changed to night;
He dozed beside the fire, and Jane
At last was free from busy light.

XLV.

She left his frugal supper laid,
She heard him breathe with slumbrous tone;
And then, released, the trembling maid
Dared slip away alone.