Page:Carroll - Three Sunsets.djvu/66

 THE SAILOR'S WIFE.

There are tears upon her face—
 * Tears newly shed, and scarcely dried:

Close, in an agonised embrace,
 * She clasps the infant at her side.

Peace dwells in those soft-lidded eyes,
 * Those parted lips that faintly smile—

Peace, the foretaste of Paradise,
 * In heart too young for care or guile.

No peace that mother's features wear;
 * But quivering lip, and knotted brow,

And broken mutterings, all declare
 * The fearful dream that haunts her now.

The storm-wind, rushing through the sky,
 * Wails from the depths of cloudy space;

Shrill, piercing as the seaman's cry
 * When death and he are face to face.

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