Thus, on a Sabbath morn, through the streets, deserted and silent, 1320 Wending her quiet way, she entered the door of the almshouse. Sweet on the summer air was the odour of flowers in the garden, And as she paused on her way to gather the fairest among them. That the dying once more might rejoice in their fragrance and beauty. Then, as she mounted the stairs to the corridor, cooled by the east-wind, 1325 Distant and soft on her ear fell the chimes from the belfry of Christ Church, While, intermingled with these, across the meadows were wafted Sounds of psalms, that were sung by the Swedes in their church at Wicaco. Soft as descending wings fell the calm of the hour on her spirit; Something within her said, "At length thy trials are ended;" 1330 And, with light in her looks, she entered the chambers of sickness. Noiselessly moved about the assiduous, careful attendants, Moistening the feverish lip, and the aching brow, and in silence Closing the sightless eyes of the dead, and concealing their faces, Where on their pallets they lay, like drifts of snow by the roadside. 1335 Many a languid head, upraised as Evangeline entered, Turned on its pillow of pain to gaze while she passed, for her presence Fell on their hearts like a ray of the sun on the walls of a prison. And, as she looked around, she saw how Death, the consoler, Laying his hand upon many a heart, had healed it for ever. 1340 Many familiar forms had disappeared in the night time; Vacant their places were, or filled already by strangers.