A Soldier's Wife

" ABOUND us the night closes dense as a wood,
The Stars down the darkness like eerie eyes brood;
While out through the nightfall my fearless thoughts
flee
To him who is fighting far over the sea.

" Across the mirk moorland the birds of night cry;
A wind stirs my flesh as of Ghosts gliding by;
Oh, clasp thy hands, pretty one, kneel down with me,
And pray for thy father far over the sea.

" O, brave is my Darling, and gallant and gay
He'll flash through the fight in the wild, bloody day;
He'll crest the high waves upon Valour's red sea;
God shield him! God send him back safely to me!"

He's lying, poor Wife! with the valiant and tried,
Who to-night poured their life on a ruddy hill-side:
And still she sings tenderly, " Over the sea,
Blow, breezes, and bring back my darling to me."

Her soul it sat smiling, all meek as a dove,
In her pure perfect face that was lighted with love;
Her child to the full heart endearing she drew,
And bow'd like a Flower with its blessing of dew.

Some luminous Beauty glides over the place,
A. white mist of glory! a white spirit face!

And a starry shape comes slow and sweet from the
gloom;
God help thee, poor Widow! thy Husband is home!

She knows not the Presence that hovereth nigh,
Nor whence fell the slumber that healed her heart 's-
cry;

But she weeps in her vision, and prayerfully
Still murmurs, " God send him back safely to me!"