Classic Poem

Since I had heard them speak of her great shame
I looked upon her face with curious eyes,
But pity in my heart became surprise,—
Finding not any havoc there, nor flame;
Only a little smile that went and came,
As if she knew a mirth too great and wise
And far too proud to serve the world with lies,
Disdaining as she did its praise or blame.

She who had passed through sin, as through a door,
Stayed not upon the steps to wail and beat
Against the portal closed for evermore;
But smiled, and went her way with tireless feet,
When night had passed and the long day begun;—
So Hager faced the desert with her son.