Page:Ballads of a Bohemian.djvu/219

Rh Then, oh, they both broke down, with piteous cry. I went.… Their way was barred; they could not pass. I looked back as the train began to start; Once more I ran with anguish at my heart And through the bars I kissed my little lass.…

Three years have gone; they’ve waited day by day. I never came. I did not even write. For when I saw my face was such a sight I thought that I had better… stay away. And so I took the name of one who died, A friendless friend who perished by my side. In Prussian prison camps three years of hell I kept my secret; oh, I kept it well! And now I’m free, but none shall ever know; They think I died out there… it’s better so.

To-day I passed my wife in widow’s weeds. I brushed her arm. She did not even look. So white, so pinched her face, my heart still bleeds, And at the touch of her, oh, how I shook! And then last night I passed the window where They sat together; I could see them clear, The lamplight softly gleaming on their hair, And all the room so full of cozy cheer. My wife was sewing, while my daughter read; I even saw my portrait on the wall. I wanted to rush in, to tell them all; And then I cursed myself: “You’re dead, you’re dead!”