It was Communion Day. The simple table underneath the desk Was draped with linen, on whose snow was spread The feast of love--the vases filled with wine, The separated bread and circling cups. The venerable pastor had come down From his high pulpit, and assumed the seat Of presidence, and, with benignant eyes, Sat smiling on his flock. The deacons all Rose from their pews--four old, brown-handed men With frosty hair--and took the ancient chairs That flanked the table. All the house was still Save here and there the rustle of a silk Or folding of a fan; and over all Brooded the dove of peace. I had no part In the fair spectacle, but I could feel That it was beautiful and sweet as heaven. When the old pastor rose, with solemn mien, I looked to see the lady lift her head; But still she bowed; and then I heard these words; "The person who unites with us to-day Will take her place before me in the aisle, To give her answer to our creed, and speak The pledges of our covenant." Then first I saw her face. With modest grace she rose, Lifted her hat, and gave it to the hand Of a companion, and within the aisle Stood out alone. My heart beat thick and fast With vision of her perfect loveliness, And apprehension of the heroism That shone within her eyes, and made her act A Christ-like sacrifice. O! eyes of blue! O! lily throat and cheeks of faintest rose! O! brow serene, enthroned in holy thought! O! soft, brown sweeps of hair! O! shapely grace Of maidenhood, enrobed in virgin white! Why, in your rapt unconsciousness of me And all around you--in the presence-hall Of God and angels--at the marriage-feast Of Jesus and his chosen--did my eyes Profane the hour with other feast than yours? I heard the "You Believe" of the old creed Of puritan New England; and I heard The old "You Promise" of its covenant. Her bow of reverent assent to all The knotty dogmas, and her silent pledge Of faithfulness and fellowship, I saw. These formularies were the frame of oak-- Gnarled, strongly carved, and swart with age and use-- Which held the lovely picture of my saint, And showed her saintliness and beauty well. At close of the recital and response, The pastor raised the plain, baptismal bowl, And she, the maiden devotee, advanced And knelt before him. Lifting then her eyes To him and heaven, with look of earnest faith And perfect consecration, she received Upon her brow the water from his hand. The trickling chrism shone on her cheeks like tears, The while he joined her lovely name with God's: "KATHRINA, I BAPTIZE THEE IN THE NAME OF FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST, AMEN!"