IN FRENCH FIELDS.
303
LA MÉNAGÈRE.
When 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!
