Page:The poems of Emma Lazarus volume 1.djvu/322

308 Juan, beware ! My father s fears, I cannot guess by whom or what, are roused. [She extenus her arms gropingly to embrace him. Oh, let me feel thee near me I see naught. Follow me ; here our voices may be heard. [She hastens towards the summer-house, leaning upon his arm, and sinks upon a seat. Have not slow ages passed with crowding woes Since we last met! What have I not endured! Oh, Juan, save me!

Dearest child, be calm. Thou art strangely overwrought. Speak not. Await Till this wild fear be past.

How great you are ! Your simple presence stills and comforts me. While you are here, the one thing real to me In all the universe is love.

And yet My love is here, if I be far or nigh. Is this the spirit of a soldier’s wife? Nay, fiery courage, iron fortitude, That soul must own that dares to say, &quot; I love.&quot;