Page:Records of Woman.pdf/149

Rh

Of all save one!—She fled not. Day by day— Such hours are woman's birthright—she, unknown. Kept watch beside him, fearless and alone; Binding his wounds, and oft in silence laving His brow with tears that mourn'd the strong man’s raving. He felt them not, nor mark'd the light veil'd form Still hovering nigh; yet sometimes, when that storm Of frenzy sank, her voice, in tones as low As a young mother's by the cradle singing, Would sooth him with sweet aves, gently bringing Moments of slumber, when the fiery glow Ebb'd from his hollow cheek.

At last faint gleams Of memory dawn'd upon the cloud of dreams, And feebly lifting, as a child, his head, And gazing round him from his leafy bed, He murmur'd forth, "Where am I? What soft strain Pass'd, like a breeze, across my burning brain?