I did but see you once, and that
Upon some distant screen,
You spoke of life and love, and death,
And wickedness, supreme;
Your eyes reflected truth and pain,
Of life's relentless round,
Where happiness is one brief glimpse
Before death puts us down.

You spoke of your dear daughter
How she passed within your arms,
How sudden stillness stayed your grief
And soothed your vague alarms,
You fear not death, nor even life
You said, and won my heart,
For such as you inspire the few
Too timid to depart.

Your face reflects the aura
That we see in ancient saints,
Like Joan of Arc, you fight each cause,
Ignore mankind's restraints,
The lessons of your life have left
A glow within your mind,
Of fire and ice, behind the eyes
Of troubled womankind.

David Lewis Paget