The Days of a Man [11891 



Santa Clara Virgen y Martir 



Now that the throng has left me, 



I softly close my eyes, 

 And one by one before me 



The fairest visions rise, — 

 The best that Life can give me 



Of all Life signifies. 



I see a sunlit valley 



Between two mountain chains. 

 Where roses bloom and lilies 



Along the grassy lanes 

 Aflame with golden poppies 



And wet with fragrant rains. 



I see from purple mountains 

 The lengthening shadows creep, 



Touching the lanes of poppies. 

 Closing their eyes in sleep; 



And Earth's uneasy clamor 

 Is hushed in silence deep. 



Again, through sprays of jasmine, 



A woman's face I see; 

 I care not what her beauty 



Or her attractions be — 

 There may be many fairer 



But none so fair to me. 



Again, a gentle lady 



Who lived in other days, 



A virgin and a martyr — 

 So the old legend says — 



Who in her name enfoldeth 

 Delicious destinies. 



O blessed Santa Clara! 

 Her spell be over thee. 



c 388 : 



