Page:Poems for the Sea.djvu/51

 With dews of knowledge; for the love of books And the pure faith of Christ, refined her soul.

Thus, well-employ'd, tho' with a tardy flight Revolv'd the months and years,—while anxious care For the long absent husband, gave a cast Of pensive beauty to her youthful brow. At length, the blessed telegraph announc'd His laden ship,&mdash;and soon her weary days Of widowhood, were ended. But the voice That to her ear like richest music seem'd, Announc'd sad tidings. He must tempt again The treacherous deep. "Ah, not again! No! No! Think of your promise, never more to roam! The humblest cot, where I might work for you, And hear your voice, and be your comforter, Is all my heart's ambition." "Laura, love, Fain would I place you in a loftier home, Such as your merits claim.