Page:Ballads of a Bohemian.djvu/203

Rh That’s what he wrote, and hark! the chime Of Christmas bells, and where is he? And how the house is dark and sad, And Annie’s sobbing on my knee!

The page beside the candle-flame With cruel type was overfilled; I read and read until a name Leapt at me and my heart was stilled: My eye crept up the column–up Unto its hateful heading: ''Killed.

And there was Annie on the stair: “And will he not be long?” she said. Her eyes were bright and in her hair She’d twined a bit of riband red; And every step was daddy’s sure, Till tired out she went to bed.

And there alone I sat so still, With staring eyes that did not see; The room was desolate and chill, And desolate the heart of me; Outside I heard the news-boys shrill: “Another Glorious Victory!”

A victory.… Ah! what care I? A thousand victories are vain. Here in my ruined home I cry From out my black despair and pain, I’d rather, rather damned defeat, And have my man with me again.