Page:All quiet along the Potomac and other poems.djvu/287

HOME FROM MEETING. 281 "Then leave the child, Reuben — leave Avis in safety."
 * "Nay, mother, the God that I serve,

He is able to keep her, if such be His pleasure;
 * Why, then, should I slacken or swerve?"

"Good-bye, and God bless you!" The aged eyes, watching
 * Through tears, saw the travellers start —

Watched their lessening forms out of sight down the valley,
 * Till hills wedged their two lives apart.

What wonder the woman's heart failed in her bosom
 * As she saw them not over the hill!

What wonder that fancies she could not exorcise
 * Came round in the Sabbath day still!

The child, little Avis, the dead mother s darling,
 * What if she should be smitten and slain?

Her tremulous hands pressed hardly her bosom,
 * As those do who struggle with pain,

Till she fell on her knees by the worn Bible open,
 * Glad refuge of souls sore afraid,
 * And out of the trust of a Puritan mother

For the loved ones in danger she prayed:

"O God of my fathers, keep Reuben in safety!
 * Put the arms of thy love round about!

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