The hand that might have drawn aside The veil, which from unloving sight Those shrinking forms avails to hide, With tender care has wrapped it tight. He would not have the sullied name Once fondly spoken in a home, A mark for strangers' righteous blame, Branded through every age to come. And thus we only speak of them As those on whom His mercies meet, -- 'She whom the Lord would not condemn,' And 'She who bathed with tears His feet.' Trusted to no evangelist, First heard where sins no more defile, Read from the Book of Life by Christ, And consecrated by His smile. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ADELAIDE CRAPSEY by CARL SANDBURG THE BIRDS by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS CHILD'S EVENING HYMN by SABINE BARING-GOULD THE MENTAL TRAVELLER by WILLIAM BLAKE THE YELLOW VIOLET by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT SACRIFICE by GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL ODE ON THE DEATH OF THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON by ALFRED TENNYSON |