To face a worse than empty home

Without child or mate.

'Twas not my strife askt him his life

When it was but begun,

Nor mine, I was a new-made wife

And now I am none;

Nor mine that many a sapless ghost

Wails in sorrow-fare—

But this does cost my pride the most,

That bloodshedding to share.

Image of streaming eyes, tear-gleaming,

Of women foiled and defeat,

I am like Christ shockt out of dreaming,

Showing His hands and feet;

Showing His feet and hands to God,

Saying, "Are these in vain?

For men I have trod the sorrowful road,

And by them I am slain."

[Pg 7]

Seeing I have a breast in common,

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