Page:All quiet along the Potomac and other poems.djvu/100

94  Then this the glad light of the holy day saw: Father-hands trembling raised to the sky; Mother-arms open wide as she gathered him in On her dear faithful bosom to lie. And this the clear air of the Christmas-time heard "I thank Thee, great God, for this grace: Now lettest Thy servant go home in content Since again I have seen the child s face."  

ITH gypsy cloak and painted face, With elfish speech my lips between, I stole unknown upon my friend To tell his fortune Hallow-e'en.

I knew how dim distrust had come To goad him with its angry smart; I knew that pretty Madge, for all Her coquetry, was true at heart.

He only saw her smile on Fred, And then with frown and bitter pain He turned away, and tried to flirt With rosy, golden-haired Elaine.

I saw fair Madge, behind his back, Grow sad and still and quite distrait, Till Fred, discouraged, very soon Made some excuse, and walked away. 