Page:The Improvisatrice.pdf/236

224

Stood that old widow woman with the rest, Watching the ship wherein had sailed her son. A boat came from that vessel,—heavily It toiled upon the waters, and the oars Were dipp'd in slowly. As it neared the beach, A moaning sound came from it, and a groan Burst from the lips of all the anxious there, When they looked on each ghastly countenance, For that lone boat was filled with wounded men, Bearing them to the hospital,—and then That aged woman saw her son. She prayed, And gained her prayer, that she might be his nurse, And take him home. He lived for many days. It soothed him so to hear his mother's voice, To breathe the fragrant air sent from the roses— The roses that were gathered one by one