Page:Carroll - Three Sunsets.djvu/38

THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH. The night drew onward: thin and blue
 * The evening mists arise

To bathe the thirsty land in dew,
 * As erst in Paradise—

While, over silent field and town, The deep blue vault of heaven looked down; Not, as of old, in angry frown,
 * But bright with angels' eyes.

Blest day! Then first I heard the voice
 * That since hath oft beguiled

These eyes from tears, and bid rejoice
 * This heart with anguish wild—

Thy mother, boy, thou hast not known; So soon she left me here to moan— Left me to weep and watch, alone,
 * Our one beloved child.

Though, parted from my aching sight,
 * Like homeward-speeding dove,

She passed into the perfect light
 * That floods the world above;

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