The Lenten Girls Make Up

O, Lenten girl of tender grace,

What means that meek and pensive face;

‘Tis not because you feel so sad,

‘Tis not because you’ve been so bad.

Nor e’en because of sorrow’s cup,–

I think your face is just made up.

Feb. 24, ‘96

Pub. B. Courier, March 1, 1896

(as ‘The Lenten Maidens Make Up’)