Young girl going to church, Bologna, 16th century (1859-1860)
by Etienne Huyot, Engraver
AT CHURCH
Vonda with the pale rose coat,
And hair so flowing soft;
Your girlish face is sweet and fair
As you glance upwards oft.
Are you to your own parents dear
As my child is to me?
And do they for you dream and pray,
Wherever you may be?
Just what may be your thought today,
As you the sermon hear?
Do peace and joy possess your heart
As you to Christ draw near?
And have you seen the cross of Christ?
And have you with Him died?
To all the world does offer you,
That you might His abide?
And do you have the SPIRIT, child?
And do you through Him LIVE?
And do you serve the Christ, my dear?
Your all in service give?
And sees some youth in all his dreams
Sweet visions of that face?
And is he praying for the day,
When he will you embrace?
Is there somewhere a sailor lad,
A boy who’s won your heart?
In all your dreams of future days,
Does this one have a part?
To fathom those deep thoughts of yours,
I know I never can:
For God has made you, you, you see,
And made me just a man.
Image above retrieved from:
http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/id?811554
