A24 The Trouble Was Not Over

Fifteen days were over. To the Grotto, for prayer, Bernadette stopped going. At Cachot, she was staying. Young boys and girls, Played their different roles, Imitating like Bernadette At Grotto, the same spot. Many devoted ladies kept, Lighted candles at the site, O’er a makeshift altar That sanctified the center. Five days were o’er. Once again, for prayer, Bernadette went there alone, But saw the empty cavern. She was lost in her thought And didn’t feel the heat Of the candle that touched Her hand and scorched. She didn’t notice it, But a lady snatched it. Her own self, she forgot, In that ecstatic state. The police tried to defame Bernadette’s fair name Saying, she was the daughter Of Francois, a drunkard father. Not to go against superstition, The Emperor gave instruction To deal with the matter At the lower level later. The Dean also was confused, He, therefore, slowly refused To take any drastic action For its immediate suppression. The Doctor, who tested, In course of time, detested Giving an adverse report, As he wasn’t sure about it. No initiative was taken, By any responsible person, For fear of offending the Lady, In case she had appeared really.