MAGDALENE.
Reading edition
Penitent! Penniless! Where can she go? Her poor heart is aching With many a woe. Repentant—though sinning: Remorseful and sad, She weeps in the moonlight While others are glad. Shrink not away from her, Stained though she be: She once, as the purest, Was sinless and free: And penitence bringeth A shroud for her shame: Hide it forgetfully; Pity—nor blame.
Penniless! Penitent! Gone every hope: Warm lights are gleaming From basement to cope. Plenty surroundeth her: Starving and stark, Lonely she pleadeth Out in the dark. The cold moon above her, The black stream below, No friendly voice near her: Where can she go? Turned every face from her Closed every door: Plash in the moonlight! She pleadeth no more.