Classic Poem

( LOVE-LETTERS OF A PORTUGUESE NUN .)

Betrayed , deserted, torn with Love,
Alas, poor nun of Beja,
He was a wolf and thou a dove,
Sweet trusting Nun of Beja;
Into thy convent cote he came,
He brought thee bliss, despair and shame,
And death, — and everlasting fame,
Dear love-lorn Nun of Beja.

When life's mad, burning day was done,
Sad, hopeless Nun of Beja,
Didst thou, beyond the stars and sun,
Triumphant Nun of Beja, —
Thou who didst all thy soul resign, —
Find that the highest bliss was thine,
Immortal through thy love divine,
Undying Nun of Beja?