RETREATING towards the Marne, his regiment Would pass at morn a neighboring suburb through; And thither walked his glad young wife, intent To see her soldier, strong and brave and true; And in her arms, or pattering with light feet Beside her steps, she held her baby boy — O the proud moment when his eyes should greet Their little Victor brimming o'er with joy! Upon the curb she stood as past they filed, When something barred the way and, unawares, The march a moment stayed; then wife and child Saw, in the line, the father's friend and theirs — Christophe, the corporal, who quickly spied The eager wife he knew as girl and bride, And, springing from the ranks, he seized her arm: @3'Courage, courage, Madame! Your husband fell Yesterday, by my side, at Maux.'@1... Ah, well ... Ah, well ... her eyelids closed, her heart stood still ... What joy henceforth can wile, what grief can harm! ... Then swift above her head, with deathless will She raised her boy, presenting him, and cried, For all her anguish, 'Vive la France!' A thrill Ran through the throng, and with the line's advance Cheers filled the morning sky for her and France As if no soldier in his place had died! — For France, secure, invincible, immortal, While women such as she are at its portal! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...EGOISME A DEUX' by LOUISA SARAH BEVINGTON RODNEY'S RIDE [JULY 3, 1776] by ELBRIDGE STREETER BROOKS ON HEARING A LITTLE MUSIC-BOX by JAMES HENRY LEIGH HUNT THE YOUNG MAY MOON by THOMAS MOORE TO THE QUEEN by ALFRED TENNYSON ON NANUS COUNTED ON AN ANT by DECIMUS MAGNUS AUSONIUS |