A Woman's Execution

Sweet-breathed and young, The people’s daughter, No nerves unstrung, Going to slaughter! “Good morning, friends, You ’ll love us better,— Make us amends: We ’ve burst your fetter! “How the sun gleams! (Women are snarling): Give me your beams, Liberty’s darling! “Marie ’s my name; Christ’s mother bore it. That badge? No shame: Glad that I wore it!” (Hair to her waist, Limbs like a Venus): Robes are displaced: “Soldiers, please screen us! “He at the front? That is my lover: Stood all the brunt;— Now—the fight’s over. “Powder and bread Gave out together: Droll! to be dead In this bright weather! “Jean, boy, we might Have married in June! This the wall? Right! Vive la Commune!”

Collection: 
English
Edward King

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