Page:Stories in Verse.djvu/124

110 We reach the grave. They slowly lower me down. Some gravel on the side is loose, and falls Battling upon the narrow coffin lid.

Horror on horror! Let me see no more!

So stands the premonition; and to-day I look back on the words here written down, Comparing them with what has happened since, And find there is no flaw in any scene.

Always intending to tell Grace my fear That some day I might be entombed alive, I always failed, until it was too late. But as the sod fell on the coffin-lid, My trance was broken, and I called and screamed, Until they drew me up from out the grave, And breaking in my prison, set me free.

Gianni fled, fearing my face at last. To-day I have his letter from his home, Beneath the far-off skies of Italy, Craving forgiveness for his wrongs to me; Saying that he repents for all his past, And with Christ's help, will lead a better life. He found his wife and children overjoyed To have him back again to their embrace.