Lyrics / by John B. Tabb [electronic text]

GIULIO.

"FATHER!" — the trembling voice betrayed The troubled heart; "Be not afraid," I softly answered — "Woe is me! Dead unto all but misery! And yet, a child of innocence Is mine — a son unknowing whence His origin — whom, unaware, As with an angel's watchful care, Thy gentle hand hath guided. Now He waits the consecrating vow Of priesthood; and to-morrow stands A Levite, with uplifted hands To bless thee. May a mother dare To look upon that face, and share, Unseen, the blessing of her son? Deny me not. So be it done To thee in thy last agony, As now thou doest unto me!"

She had her will. Secluded there Within a cloistered place of prayer, She saw, and wept; then, all unknown, Shrunk back into the world, alone.

Days passed. A winter's cheerless morn With summons came. A soul forlorn

Craved help in danger imminent; And, Christlike, on his mission went The new anointed.

" Strange," he said, "The gleams, like inspiration, shed Upon the dying! There she lay, Poor reprobate! life's stormy day In clouds departing. Suddenly, As from a trance, beholding me, 'Giulio! hast thou come?' she cried, And with her arms about me, died."

He wondered; and I turned away, Lest tears my secret should betray.