To Bernard Palissy

When upon the future uncertain and unsure, I doubted for myself of that immortality, You came to my aid, and your hand vibrant and pure Drew from me the blindfold of incredulity; Tell me whence comes the sweet sympathy and grace That made you come down from the celestial abode? Of a past life could it be the remembered trace Of a fraternal love that into your being flowed? Dear Spirit, yes, for in another existence You were perhaps my guide, support, and protector. But in vain I question: God, by his providence, Has taken from my eyes of memory the vigor Until the time when your sphere I shall then behold, Where my being may rise up unto you above! But if to this sad Earth I must return of old, Well-beloved Bernard, think always of me with love. Miss L. O. Lieutaud, of Rouen.