An Idyl of the War; The German Exiles, and Other Poems (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1883. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... An Idyl Of The War. Upon the porch before the parsonage Sat Pastor Goodman. Round his locks of white There played the setting sun's last shimmering rays, And crowned his noble head with light. His face Wore that benign and placid look those wear, And those alone, who long have passed life's storms, Its joys, and dark vicissitudes, seen much, And much endured, yet made their own the good, And left the rest to Him who yet the ill Will conquer and subdue; who wait in hope The joys beyond, which flesh's dissolving veil Scarce hides. Long time had self and passion been Subdued, and of the conflict scarce a trace Was left. But lightly time had touched his frame, Its bloom and freshness just began to fade, and yet His silvered locks seemed like the crown of snow That rests on topic peak, above the slopes, All clad in green and blossom. With him sat His daughter Mary, and a manly youth, Named William, from the village nestling in The hills beyond. They had been playmates since The world began to first unfold to them Delights and wonders. William had been left An orphan early, and a fairy strain Of mother's love, still faintly ringing through His life, awoke and nourished in his heart A longing sweet and tender, nameless pain And sense of loss, that bound him all the more To Mary. Mary loved the youth. Her heart Went out to him with all the strength and trust Of maidens' first, absorbing love. In him She found her all. His presence filled her life With ecstasy. Her thoughts were all of him. A something higher than herself she felt In him, that yet did not make her seem less, But therefore prized the more. Her life was all Absorbed in his, and his in hers, and they Were happy in each other. On her face That evening there was mingled joy with pride And sadness sore. ...