Ii

PIERRE: I made a perfect landing over there Behind the church--

CELESTE: The Virgin heard my prayer! Now I must burn the candle that I vowed--

PIERRE: Then ’twas our Blessed Lady sent that Cloud That saved me when the Boche came up behind. I made a lightning turn, only to find The Boche on top of me. It seemed a kind Of miracle to see that Cloud--I swear A moment past the sky was everywhere As clear as clear; there was no Cloud in sight. It looked to me, floating there calm and white. Like a great mother hen, and I a chick. She seemed to call me, and I scurried quick Behind her wing. That spoiled the Boche’s game, And gave me time to turn and take good aim. I emptied my last drum, and saw him drop Ten thousand feet in flames--

CELESTE (shuddering): Stop! Pierre, stop! Maybe a girl is waiting for him too--

PIERRE: ’Twas either him or me--

CELESTE: Thank God, not you!

PIERRE (pointing to the church): Come, let us burn the candle that you vowed.

CELESTE: Two candles!

PIERRE: Who’s the other for?

CELESTE: The Cloud!