Page:A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields.djvu/336

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the house-mistress comes in sight,
 * Holy light

Enters the house wherein she dwells, Crackle the brands, the flames rise proud,
 * And more loud

Repeats the bird his canticles.

In the great orchard every bough
 * Bending low

Salutes her with its wreath of flowers! On her straw roofs the swallows build,
 * Faithful guild,

That herald luck and sunny hours!

Floats in her kingdom—(one large room!)
 * Soft perfume

That to the chance-guest's mind conveys This thought,—lo! Plenty, Peace, Good-cheer,
 * All are here,

Thy lines are fall'n on pleasant ways.

A sober beauty, pensive, grave,
 * Such as have

The mallow, scabious, and white rose! Smooth dimpled cheeks, though somewhat pale,
 * Where prevail

The smiles that all her heart disclose!