Page:Poems by Cushag.djvu/38

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STRANGER passes this way at night When the earth is laid to rest: He pauses before each cottage door Like a long expected guest.
 * Is it only a ray of the white moonlight
 * That falls on the dewy ground?
 * Or is it the gleam of a Kingly Robe
 * That sheds such radiance round?

He pauses before each cottage door When the silence is still and deep: There are souls that work and souls that rest, And souls that must watch and weep.
 * Is it only the track of the children's feet
 * That has furrowed the roadway there?
 * Or is it the print of a PiercédPiercèd [sic] Foot
 * That was heavy with human care?

Then to those who weep, and to those who sleep, And to those who watch and wake, There comes the touch of a tender Hand For a suffering stranger's sake.
 * Is it only the breath of the balsam pine
 * That is filling the midnight vale?
 * Or is it the balm of a Healing Calm
 * That sweetens the perfumed gale?