Page:The poems of Emma Lazarus volume 1.djvu/327

Rh How laughingly the clear sun shines to-day On storm-drenched green, and cool, far-glittering seas ! When she comes in to greet me, she will blush For last night s terrors. How she crouched and shuddered At the mere thought of the wild war without! Poor, clinging women s souls, what need is theirs Of our protecting love ! Yet even on me The shadow of the storm-cloud seemed to brood. Through my vexed sleep I heard the thunder roll; My dreams were ugly Well, all that is past; To-day my spirit is renewed- ’T is long Since I have felt so fresh.

Strange, she still sleeps! The hour is past when she is wont to come To bless me with the kiss of virgin love. Mayhap t was fever in her eyes last night Gave them so wild a glance, so bright a lustre. God ! if she should be ill ! [He rises and calls. Luca !