Philippa
Reading edition
A GENEROUS gentleness that flowed, Stream-like, beside a dusty road; Gave laborers shade, and prisoners sun, And easeful joy to every one; With liquid melodies for such As worked or wearied overmuch, And ministrations cool and sweet For fevered hands and aching feet. So delicately fair she moved— That stream-like girl, of all beloved. Along her path no grief nor care But lulled and lightened unaware. She bore the sky within her breast, And child-like winds her soul caressed, Until her spring of life was dried, And with a smile Philippa died.