Lovers across the Sea

Desolate of all young lovers sleeps the land,
And there is silence in earth's woods and halls.
The bugle of war faintly in dreamland calls,
And maidens into the moonlight wave a hand
From high rooms gazing where their lovers stand
In the far South. The garden's budding pinks
Sway softly in their souls, swift downward sinks
Their fragrant clothing, their limbs by soft airs fanned
Pale, foam-like, gleam upon the summer wind;
Their bright hair in the moonlight glimmering spray,
As warrior after warrior sinks to die,
The red blood billowing from the darkening mind,
And in the night's faint-starred and tranquil sky
The same white Moon suddenly black mid-way.