Page:The Collected Poems of Dora Sigerson Shorter.djvu/90

Rh “Now God between us and all harm!” The maid she fearful cried; “I thought you slept within your grave, Your little babe beside.

“I thought you lay all glad in rest Who now doth walk alone; What grief is on your soul, poor ghost, What wrong would you atone?”

“My many sins I do deplore,” The pale young ghost replied; “Yet would I sleep to-night full well My little babe beside.

“From Life's long road all weary I Would hold such sleeping blest, Save for the grief of one who mourns And will not let me rest—

“Save for the tears of one I loved O'er all the world beside, Who held me close unto his breast And named me once his bride.

“I know, as no birds sing for me. He dreads the thrushes' song; Since I am lying in the dark. He thinks the day too long.

“And so I left my little babe All lone in her cold bed, So I might draw him to my side And dry the tears he shed;

“So I might bid him weep no more, But Heaven's pity take, That bade me forth to bring my dear From grief and lone heartbreak;