Page:Ballads of a Bohemian.djvu/39

Rh Two lovers watched the new moon hold The old moon in her bright embrace. Said she: “There’s mother, pale and old, And drawing near her resting place.” Said he: “Be mine, and with me wed,” Moon-high she stared… she shook her head.

A soldier saw with dying eyes The bleared moon like a ball of blood, And thought of how in other skies, So pearly bright on leaf and bud Like peace its soft white beams had lain; Like Peace!… He closed his eyes again.

Child, lover, poet, soldier, clown. Ah yes, old Moon, what things you’ve seen! I marvel now, as you look down, How can your face be so serene? And tranquil still you’ll make your round, Old Moon, when we are underground.