Page:Preludes, Meynell, 1875.djvu/58

 "SOEUR MONIQUE."

A RONDEAU BY COUPERIN.

form of silent nun,

What has given you to my inward eyes?

What has marked you, unknown one,

In the throngs of centuries

That mine ears do listen through?

This old master's melody

That expresses you,

This admired simplicity,

Tender, with a serious wit,

And two words, the name of it,

"Soeur Monique."

And if sad the music is,

It is sad with mysteries

Of a small immortal thing

That the passing ages sing,—

Simple music making mirth