She scanned the sun-browned maidens; But the tunic's rough disguise, The savage tongue, the forest ways, Baffled and mocked her yearning gaze, And with sobs and streaming eyes She turned to the Colonel and told him How hopeless was her quest-- Moaning, "Alas, Regina! The grave for me is best!" "Nay, Madam," gently he replied, "Don't be disheartened yet, but bide, And try some other test. What pleasant song or story Did she love from your lips to hear?" "O Sir, I taught her 'Our Father;' And the 'Creed' we hold so dear, And she said them over and over While I was spinning near; And every eve, by her little bed, When the light was growing dim, I sung her to sleep, my darling! With Schmolke's beautiful hymn." "Then sing it _now_," said the Colonel, And close to the captive band He brought the mother with her hymn From the far Suabian land; And with faltering voice and quivering lips, While all was hushed, she sung The strain of lofty faith and cheer In her rich German tongue: "Allein, und doch nicht ganz allein" (How near the listeners press!), Alone, yet not alone am I, Though all may deem my days go by In utter dreariness; The Lord is still my company, I am with Him, and He with me, The solitude to bless. He speaks to me within His word As if His very voice I heard, And when I pray, apart, He meets me in the quiet there With counsel for each cross and care, And comfort for my heart. The world may say my life is lone, With every joy and blessing flown Its vision can descry; I shall not sorrow nor repine, For glorious company is mine With God and angels nigh.