Illustration by Joseph Lee from 'Work-a-day Warriors' by Joseph Lee, published in 1917
MARCELLE
"In your last book, 'Ballads of Battle,' I looked in vain for some tribute to Marcelle, and for the picture which you made of her sitting by the open window."—Letter to the Author from Soldier-Comrade.
Marcelle, who served the café noir,The vintage white and red,With lightsome step, with laughing eye,With proudly poised head!
Vin blanc, vin rouge; of red, of white,What need was there to speak?For they were out-vied by the redAnd lily of thy cheek!
Trench-worn and stained we sat aroundAnd quaffed vin ordinaire,And were rejuvenate, as ifHebé the cup did bear!
For us the ever-generous door,The ever-gracious smile,The attentive ear, the ready tear,The glance devoid of guile.
But not for us that pensive gaze,The sudden mist of tears,The broken sigh that spoke a taleOf lovers' hopes and fears!
Marcelle! when peace shall dawn at lastUpon this night of pain,May thy bold chasseur, all unscathed,Come back to thee again!
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